Lauren Saner / Winonan

Imagine Winona State University’s President Scott Olson, Dean of College of Science and Engineering Charla Miertschin, Director of University Communications Andrea Northam, Vice-President of University Advancement Ron Dempsey and Provost and Vice-President Patricia Rogers taking a selfie in the middle of Winona State’s Symphonic Winds Ensemble’s Winter Pops Concert.

These faculty members were invited to be guest soloists for the piece “Concerto for Faculty and Band” by James Ployhar for the Winter Pops Concert on Feb. 28. They won the audience’s hearts with their amusing solos as percussionists. But while this concert was mostly fun and games, it was the kick-off for a much more serious event: the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.

Every year, Winona Volunteer Services participate in a state-wide food drive, overseen by the Minneapolis Council of Churches. They have various fundraisers between March 1 and April 8 to raise money and gather donated food to help provide for 860 households every month.

“We try to promote this fundraiser to the area churches and keep the need to support your local food shelf to the community,” Sandra Burke, executive director of Winona Volunteer Services, said.

The Winona State Symphonic Winds Ensemble works with Winona Volunteer Services in their holiday concerts every year, and this year, Director Donald Lovejoy offered to use the Winter Pops Concert as another means to raise money and help support the local food shelter.

“I think that what [Winona Volunteer Services] do[es] is really important and I like to do what I can to help,” Lovejoy said.

The audience members played an important role donating almost $600 the afternoon of the concert, which will go to local food shelters.