Fond du Lac, Wis. –

    The event marked the ninth annual Fill the Boat food drive, following the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19. Although the ongoing coronavirus pandemic resulted in a curtailed list of related employee activities this year, employees rallied to provide donations toward the important work of the Fondy Food Pantry.

    “After a year off for COVID-19 precautions, our employees were especially enthusiastic for this year’s event, which showed through their hard work and dedication,” said Andres Gonzalez, Mercury Marine vice president of human resources. “I’m so proud of their support for our community. To generate this kind of support for the Fondy Food Pantry in one week is inspiring – especially given the challenges of the past year.”

    In what has become a very popular annual event, Mercury employees bring in nonperishable food items and cash donations over a week-long period to provide food assistance to thousands of individuals and families in the Fond du Lac area. The Fondy Food Pantry has been a fixture in the community for nearly 50 years, serving roughly 1,100 individuals and distributing an average of 30,000 pounds of food each month. The pantry feeds 780 children every week.

    “Fond du Lac is our home, and we are committed to supporting our neighbors, including those who face food insecurity,” said Gonzalez. “Events like Fill the Boat are one of many examples of our employees working together to help our community.”