The first semester is almost coming to close, and for some seniors, graduation is the only thing on their minds. Besides leaving Tuscaloosa with a diploma, seven Public Relation students will have more than a degree knowing they made an even bigger impact for the Tuscaloosa Community.

Donations at The Pails & Ales eventPhoto Provided By Molly Stalter

On October 18th, Loosa Brews was decorated for the event and had $600 in prizes for those who attended the fundraiser. Besides gifts provided by Tuscaloosa's finest businesses such as Blo Go and Frutta Bowls, two live bands entertained and local food and brews to feed all those who attended. The fundraiser's purpose was to raise awareness for Pails & Ales and all proceeds would go towards fighting children food insecurity.

About Pails & Ales

Secret Meals secretmeals.org

All proceeds made at the event will go towards decreasing the number of children within Alabama struggling with hunger every day. To achieve this, Pails & Ales partners with Secret Meals and makes three-pound food packs which include two breakfasts, lunches, and two snacks in students backpacks.

Directly from the creators of the event!

What made you think of the event?

We wanted to create an event that allowed our fellow students to learn more about Secret Meals and have the chance to do something for the local Tuscaloosa community. With that being said, the lunch pail prizes offered possible rewards for those who were able to attend as well. It was sort of an incentive. - Tatum Nix

What did it take to bring this event to life?

We started from scratch: the logo, the colors, everything of that nature. Then we were able to start thinking more about the event itself. We wanted it to be a fun environment so bands and a food truck were a must! It was amazing to see everyone come together for such a good cause. - Tatum Nix

Within three hours of this event held by UA students, over $1600 for Secret Meals was raised to help the children of Tuscaloosa. The Public Relation's Instructor, Susan Daria said her students "continue to amaze" her. Every year, Daria's classroom picks an organization to help give back to the Tuscaloosa community, and this year these Seven students really have impacted the TTOWN community they called home for four years. using the skills these students acquired as public relation majors they are today truly made this event possible.

Of the seven students, Molly Stalter said, "This event opened my eyes to how many children in our community are going home on the weekends hungry. "I Loved being apart of something bigger than myself."

About Secret Meals

Created by the Alabama Credit Union, Secret meals has been proving meals to children since 2008. 22 percent of Alabama's population live in poverty enabling them to have meals or just know where their next meal will be coming from. Currently, 2,312 students in Alabama are receiving these food packs within Alabama and Florida. each pack, which costs $140 a year ensures a meal for a student for a whole year. The best part of this organization is that all process raised goes 100% towards the cause ensuring that events, such as the Local brews went in full effect to students across the state.

Secret Mealssecretmeals.org

Want to be a part of ending hunger in Tuscaloosa or your community?

Contact Tatum Nix, Pails & Ales event coordinator

Phone Number: (901)-846-7237

Email: tgnix@crimson.ua.edu