"Seeding the Future" is the theme of this year's Breakfast with the Bank, the Surrey Food Bank's only signature event, set for May 18 this year.

Last year, the event raised more than $110,000 and it's hoped the fundraiser can cross the $100,000 threshold once again.

Now in its 10th year, the event provides much needed funding for the food bank, said director Marilyn Herrmann.

"It's absolutely crucial," she said. "We don't do a lot of traditional fundraising, like mail outs, so we really try to engage the community at this annual event."

For the one-hour event, people sign up as "table captains," and bring nine people with them. After breakfast, attendees are invited to donate whatever they can.

"We often joke that people have to get up gosh awful early, be fed a crummy breakfast, then we ask for your money," Herrmann said with a chuckle. "Oh, and we'll make you cry," she added.

Herrmann said the food bank "sows lots of seeds in many different ways - figuratively and literally."

The food bank is launching a pilot program this spring, thanks to funding from United Way, that will take families to farms and teach them to grow food.

"We will show them how to sow their own seeds, so families can grow some of their own food and don't have to be as reliant on the food bank," Herrmann said.

The Surrey Food Bank, on average, sees eight to 10 new families a day.

Breakfast for the Bank will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. at Bollywood Banquet Hall, at #201-8166 128th St. While tickets are not required, attendees must register as a "table captain" by calling 604-581-5443, or emailing events@surreyfoodbank.org.

twitter@amyreid87

areid@thenownewspaper.com