Jeff and Leslie Bois, of Stella Blu, was one of four local restaurants where locals had the opportunity to purchase exclusive takeout meals as part of the Front Door Agency’s 33rd annual Gourmet Festival & Auction.

NASHUA – Nearly 400 people went online to support the Front Door Agency’s 33rd annual Gourmet Festival & Auction this year, raising more than $140,000 to support families experiencing financial crisis or homelessness in Greater Nashua.

The event, which was held virtually for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured an online auction with 200-plus items, raffles, and the opportunity to purchase an exclusive takeout meal from one of four local restaurants: Celebrations Distinctive Catering, Nashua Country Club, Stella Blu or Surf.

“With so many online events over the past year, we wanted to do something creative and bring back the ‘Gourmet’ component of the event,” said Maryse Wirbal, CEO of the Front Door Agency. “By purchasing meal tickets, people were able to support our mission while also helping local restaurants that have been economically affected by the pandemic.”

“Stella Blu is very proud to support The Front Door Agency in their biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Jeff and Leslie Bois, owners of Stella Blu. “As Nashua natives, it is rewarding to support such a well-run organization given what they do for our great community.”

Last year, the Agency helped 1,142 individuals in Greater Nashua transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. 91% of those that received financial assistance through the Agency’s Housing Stability Program went on to maintain their housing and utilities independently. And 85% of the single mothers in the Agency’s Transformational Housing Program participated in or graduated from an educational program.

“By providing direction and educational opportunities to those we serve, our clients not only receive assistance during crisis situations, but they also gain the skills they need to build a better future for themselves,” says Wirbal. “This work is possible thanks to our supporters throughout the community, including those who participated in our online event. Thank you for your generosity!”

The Annual Gourmet Festival & Auction comprises nearly 20% of the Front Door Agency’s annual budget. While the online event is closed, the Agency is still accepting donations through its Fund-A-Need. Those who donate will have the opportunity to hear from the following actors who shared personal stories in support of the Front Door Agency: Kim Brockington, Bryan Cranston, Jill Eikenberry, Dan Lauria, Carolyn McCormick, and Barbara Niven. To donate now, visit: www.bit.ly/FDAGourmet.

The 33rd Annual Gourmet Festival & Auction was made possible through the support of the Front Door Agency’s Corporate Partners: Summit Title Services, BAE Systems, Bellwether Community Credit Union, Lowell Five, Southern NH Health and Stanley Elevator. Community partners include Boston Billiard Club & Casino, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the United Way of Greater Nashua. Media partners include The Telegraph, Frank FM, The Union Leader, and WMUR-TV.

Major Gourmet Event Sponsors include: RBC Wealth Management (Presenting Sponsor), UBS Financial (Video Sponsor), Eastern Bank (Caring Sponsor) and Eaton & Berube Insurance (Golden Brick Sponsor). A special thank you to New Sky Productions.

Last year, the Front Door Agency assisted more than 1,140 people in Greater Nashua through its core programs including Transformational Housing for single mothers, Financial Literacy, a Holiday Program, and a Housing Stability Program offering assistance with rent, utilities, security deposit loans and permanent affordable housing. To learn more, visit www.frontdooragency.org.