Mayor celebrates arts in Pocatello,

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad celebrated the arts in the and spread awareness of hunger in the area as well. Thursday evening, the Pocatello Foodbank warehouse turned into an art gallery.

At a dinner fundraiser and silent auction, Mayor Blad recognized individuals in the community for their contributions to the community.

The individual recipient award went to Idaho State University professor and president of the Pocatello Arts Council, Diana Livingston-Friedley. Jay Ronk, the former band teacher at Highland High School received the lifetime award. The Mystique Performing Arts and Event Center, with owner Larry Fisher receiving the award.

Konni Kendell, deputy clerk and organizer of the event, said she was excited to see how this event has grown over the last 11 years.

“It’s very eye-opening to see our community come together, see the donations come rolling in and see what an impact we can make to help the Foodbank,” Kendell said.

Foodbank manager Rebecca Ristrem said they are able to turn every dollar the foodbank receives into four meals. From last year’s event, Ristrem said they received $6,000, bringing 24,000 meals to local families in need.

“Without each and every member of our community pulling together and helping the Idaho Foodbank,” she said, “We wouldn’t be able to move the 300,000 pounds of food that we move every month.”