A Florence nonprofit that feeds about 210 Hispanic families each month is hosting its second annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 3.
FIESTA Northern Kentucky's "FIESTA at the Plate" runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Thomas More Stadium, home of the Florence Y'alls. Tickets cost $40 and include dinner. The evening also features live music from Paola Sciaraffia Music, dancing, raffles, a split-the-pot drawing and a batting competition that lets guests step onto the field.
Proceeds support what the organization describes as the area's only culturally relevant food pantry for Hispanic families. Beyond food, more than 3,000 Hispanic children and adults turn to FIESTA each year for services including healthcare referrals, mental health support, tutoring, employment assistance and ESL classes, according to LINK nky.
Founder and CEO Theresa Cruz launched the grassroots nonprofit in January 2024. In an August 2025 presentation to Florence City Council, Cruz said the organization had already supported nearly 4,000 people through food distributions, referrals and outreach programs. She also described services such as workforce development and community events.
Cruz told the council that three out of four FIESTA volunteers are families the organization previously served.
"75% of FIESTA's volunteers are families previously served by the organization, creating a strong cycle of giving, with some even assisting in bookkeeping and data entry," Cruz said during the Aug. 19, 2025, council meeting.
The nonprofit held its first FIESTA at the Plate on Sept. 19, 2025, also at the stadium. In August 2026, Spectrum donated $2,500 to FIESTA NKY, with Florence Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon joining the presentation.
Tickets for the Oct. 3 fundraiser are available through the Givebutter fundraising page linked on the FIESTA Northern Kentucky website.
Upcoming
- Saturday, Oct. 3 — FIESTA at the Plate, 6–9 p.m., Thomas More Stadium, Florence. $40 per ticket. Details at the FIESTA Northern Kentucky website.
