Karaoke Competition gives voice to CROS Ministries’ hunger relief

CROS Ministries staff member Emily Zarzycki and 2025 emcee Ted White celebrate with the first-place winner at last year’s karaoke competition. [Photo by CROS Ministries]

Sing your heart out for a good cause at CROS Ministries’ second annual Night Mic Karaoke Competition, a fundraiser for local hunger-relief programs.

The event returns as demand for those programs grows. Since 2020, the number of people seeking food assistance from CROS Ministries has surged by 71%.

A longtime CROS Ministries partner, Delray Elks Lodge 1770, will host the fundraiser Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 265 NE Fourth Ave. in Delray Beach.

Tickets are $20 and include pizza, a soft drink and a raffle ticket. Sponsored by the Amy & Noreen Team at Lang Realty, the event is part of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Do Good Delray initiative.

Although Monday Night Mic is being held on a Wednesday this year, the event was created to coincide with Monday Night Football and to kick off CROS Ministries’ football-themed Tackle Hunger campaign.

“We received such wonderful feedback that we had to bring it back this year,” says Shona Castillo, the director of the nonprofit’s Caring Kitchen program. “Last year we had about 60 people attend, and I’m hoping it gets bigger and bigger every year.”

From left, Emily Zarzycki, Stephanie Immelman, president and CEO of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Ted White pose with a prize basket at last year’s karaoke competition. [Photo by CROS Ministries]

Proceeds will support CROS Ministries’ food pantries, Caring Kitchen, and gleaning program, which collects surplus produce from farms for distribution to people in need.

Feeding America estimates that 192,410 Palm Beach County residents are food insecure, including more than 50,000 children. High food prices, rising living expenses, low incomes and unemployment make it difficult for many households to afford enough food. Many are forced to balance grocery costs with housing, utilities, medical expenses and other necessities.

The Caring Kitchen delivers five freshly prepared meals each week to homebound residents in Delray Beach.

“They can afford to buy crackers and tuna, and that’s what they’re living off of,” Castillo says. “We are happy to provide them meals to supplement their nutrition.”

CROS Ministries staff members Robynne Ryals, Emily Zarzycki, Jason Lorey and Shona Castillo take the stage at last year’s karaoke competition. [Photo by CROS Ministries]

Food insecurity does not have a single appearance, Castillo adds. CROS Ministries serves seniors, children, single parents and working people who may have homes and vehicles but are one unexpected expense away from needing help. A car repair, broken air conditioner or medical emergency can overwhelm a household budget.

In 2025, the nonprofit’s food pantries provided groceries to more than 121,000 people, while the Caring Kitchen served nearly 56,000 meals.

Those who cannot attend the karaoke night can still help by donating, organizing a food drive or volunteering with CROS Ministries.