Every November, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar opens its doors for one of our most cherished traditions—the annual Turkey Ball, a festive night where food, gratitude, and giving come together for a cause that is deeply felt in our community. This year, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, our guests once again showed up with full hearts, generous spirits, and a shared commitment to making sure every neighbor has a place at the holiday table.
And because of you, this year’s Turkey Ball made an extraordinary impact.
Together, We Made a Difference—Right Here at Home
Because of you, we raised over $10,000 by the end of the night—a tremendous show of support from our community. That generosity allowed us to donate more than 530 turkeys to families across our region through our longtime partners at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Every dollar from this event went straight to making that possible.
The Food Shuttle’s work is more important now than ever. They serve a seven-county region across Central and Eastern North Carolina—Wake, Johnston, Nash, Edgecombe, Durham, Chatham, and Orange counties—where too many families are struggling to put food on the table this holiday season. Rising costs and fluctuating SNAP benefits mean the need continues to grow.
Here’s the reality our partners shared with us:
- One in seven North Carolinians—more than 1.6 million people—face hunger.
- One in five children in our state are food insecure.
- In the Food Shuttle’s service area, tens of thousands of families, including working parents and seniors on fixed incomes, are unsure where their next meal will come from.
Your support at Turkey Ball ensures that families identified through schools, churches, and community organizations receive a turkey—often the centerpiece of a holiday meal they would otherwise go without. These turkeys don’t just become dinner; they become togetherness, dignity, and a moment of joy in a season meant for celebration.
A Beautiful Night Made Possible by You
This year’s Turkey Ball brought together over 200 guests for an evening filled with warmth and generosity. From the seasonal favorites at the carving station to our house-made pasta, tasting stations, and passed hors d’oeuvres, the night’s menu was designed to reflect the spirit of the season—comfort, celebration, and community.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who purchased tickets, donated onsite, spread the word, or simply showed up to be part of something meaningful. Your enthusiasm and kindness filled the room, and it’s your support that allows this event to grow in impact year after year.
Why Turkey Ball Matters—Every Year
Since the first Turkey Ball in 2018, this event has helped feed hundreds of local families, and every November, we’re reminded of just how powerful our community can be when we come together. The Turkey Ball isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a tradition built on compassion, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves to experience the warmth of a holiday meal.
This year, you continued that legacy. You made it possible for families across our region to sit down to a meal that brings comfort and joy. You helped create memories. You made a real difference.
Thank You From All of Us at Mulino
To our attendees, our partners at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, our staff, and every member of our community who continues to champion this event—thank you. Your generosity fills more than plates; it fills hearts.
As we look ahead to next year’s Turkey Ball, we’re inspired and humbled by what we’ve been able to achieve together. Because of you, our neighbors will gather around tables this Thanksgiving with full plates and full hearts.
And that is something truly worth celebrating.
About Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
“We FEED our neighbors, TEACH self-sufficiency, and GROW healthy foods by cultivating innovative approaches to end hunger.” Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity in our community by cultivating innovative approaches to end hunger.
