On Oct. 2, Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats, presented by Flagstar Bank, announced the grand total that this year’s festival had awarded to its more than 50 local charity partners — including Forgotten Harvest — $233,049.26, a 12% increase from last year.

Representatives from the charities gathered at Flagstar Bank’s corporate headquarters in Troy to accept their checks. A multitude of sources contributed to the funds, including gate admission fees, beverage proceeds and festival-sponsored community initiatives.

A food drive conducted at Flagstar Bank branches led to the distribution of more than 3,500 meals to families through Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste program, in partnership with Forgotten Harvest, delivered 1,866 pounds of rescued food to local homeless shelters.

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