As you may or may not have heard, Eide Bailly LLP and Mackall Crounse and Moore, PLC challenged other local accounting and law firms to help end hunger in our community – in a campaign called “Food Mania.” Seventeen firms stepped up to join the fight – and the results were phenomenal. On behalf of Second Harvest Heartland, I want to extend a very special “thanks” to Eide Bailly LLP and Mackall Crounse and Moore, PLC and all participating firms for the tremendous success of the first annual Food Mania challenge.

Over a two week period, the firms raised $45,693 and 4,458 pounds of food. These donations will help Second Harvest Heartland feed those in our community who are hungry.

So again – thank you to all participating firms for joining the fight to end hunger. We are so much more than grateful for your support.

Will Smith, Rob Zeaske and Bernard Berrian

Hundreds (if not thousands) of fans piled into the AMC Southdale parking lot last night where Will Smith was premiering his new movie “Seven Pounds” – and giving free tickets to the premiere to the first 250 people to bring a can of food to donate to Second Harvest Heartland. Will heard about Bernard Berrian’s challenge to the public and wanted to make sure Minneapolis/Saint Paul was one of his six stops around the US to premiere his movie.

Joined by a VIP section full of Minnesota Vikings players and a parking lot full of fans, Will’s appearance was a high-energy event. And best of all, it was all for a good cause. Will’s donation of 300 turkeys, in addition to the hundreds of donations onsite, will help Second Harvest Heartland feed hungry people this holiday season.

Check out some more pictures from the event – and stay tuned for some exclusive video featuring Will Smith and Bernard Berrian!

As you may have heard, Will Smith is in town this week promoting his new movie, “Seven Pounds” – which will premiere in the Twin Cities this Friday afternoon at AMC Southdale in Edina. Tickets to the screening will be given away to the first 250 people who come with a can of food to donate to Second Harvest Heartland.

Want to see the premiere and meet Will but avoid the lines and the cold? Anyone who subscribes to our email newsletter between now and Thursday afternoon at 5:00 pm will be entered to win a pair of VIP tickets. Click here to sign up now! (Already a member? You should have received an email from us. Forward that to your family and friends and you’ll be automatically entered to win.) We will also honor new Facebook fans. Get your family and friends to become a fan of Second Harvest Heartland on Facebook, and we’ll add them to the list!

Will heard about Bernard Berrian’s efforts to fight to end hunger in the heartland, and is donating turkeys to Bernard’s Holiday Meals fund. If you can’t make it on Friday, consider donating to the fund to help feed hungry families this holiday season.

Check your email Friday morning to find out if you’ve won!

Brad Bombardir stopped out with Nordy yesterday afternoon to drop off food and cash donations collected at the Minnesota Wild drive at the came on November 26.

Check out some photos of their visit, and watch the video below:

Big thanks to the Minnesota Wild and fans for their support!