Craig Stein Beverage Group – CSBG and The Idaho Foodbank announced a pledge of $75,000 over five years to support The Idaho Foodbank’s Nutrition Services and Programs. The gift will support statewide services and programs including the Backpack weekend feeding program, Mobile Pantry, School Pantry, Cooking Matters, as well as the Picnic in the Park summer feeding program in the Boise area.

“We have been involved in many local sponsorships over the past 24 years. We want to make a significant long term commitment to partner with a program we believe makes a difference in helping the hungry in our local communities,” stated CEO Craig Stein.

“We are grateful to receive this pledge from CSBG,” said Karen Vauk, the Foodbank’s President and CEO. “We’re always encouraged to see local businesses support the urgent needs in our state, and this gift from CSB will have a meaningful impact on our ability to provide these services and programs to Idaho’s communities over the coming years.”

CSBG made an additional pledge of $75,000 to the Clark County Food Bank in Vancouver, Washington where CSB also has business operations. “We are proud to be a part of the communities in which our teammates work and live. To invest in both SW Washington and Southern Idaho local areas is a great opportunity,” reaffirmed Stein.

About Craig Stein Beverage Group CSBG

CSBG was incorporated in 1990 in Vancouver, Washington by Craig Stein. Locally they employ 175 people. They are leader within the wholesale beverage distribution industry and are proud to be a part of the Idaho business community. They distribute a wide range of products from National brands to smaller local craft and specialty producers.

Left to right – Teena Wright, Idaho Foodbank Development Manager; David Morrison, CSBG Idaho Sr. VP/ General Manger; Karen Vauk, Idaho Foodbank President and CEO; Craig Stein, CSBG CEO

Guests of honor at the pre-show reception included cast members (from left) Taylor Colleton, who played Silly Girl and an enchanted object; Jimmy Larkin, who was LeFou; Tony D’Alelio, the Carpet; and Stephen Petrovic, a member of the ensemble. They signed autographs and read from the “Beauty and the Beast” picture book.

It’s a wonderful occasion when people can come together for something joyful and help thousands of people at the same time.

That occasion materialized on Sunday, April 28, at Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Though the Morrison Center hosted four performances, 180 people bought tickets from The Idaho Foodbank especially for this special benefit presentation. Those tickets generated $32,519, and with the net proceeds the Foodbank will be able to provide about 63,000 meals for hungry families across Idaho.

About 120 people chose to buy the premium tickets, which gave them a chance to meet cast members and sample the delicious snacks provided by Aramark.

“Our kids loved the show!” said Scott Kreiling, President of Regency Blue Shield of Idaho. “They couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Presenting sponsors Fred Meyer and Camille Beckman made this enchanted evening possible. They got additional support from Fredricksen Health Insurance and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. We are extremely grateful to them, to the cast of the show, to the Morrison Center and to everyone who made this event such a success. The Idaho Press Tribune was our excellent media partner, and Aramark took superb care of us and our guests once again.

Thank you all so much for being so generous and easy to work with.

Our guests were enchanted by the hors d’oeuvres, though the dishes stayed in place.

Two young beauties at the pre-show reception.