Local business owners on Friday presented Saukville Community Food Pantry founder Mark Gierach with a $1,000 check to benefit the shelter and the community it serves.

For each person who attended the Go Further with Ford Night on Nov. 15, Schmit Bros had planned to donate $10 — up to a total of $500 — to the pantry. The company donated the $500, and owners Jim and Mike Schmit matched that donation for a total of $1,000 to benefit the pantry.

Ford gave individual locations the ability to choose a charity to benefit with the event, and Jim Schmit said he immediately thought local.

"You're new," Jim Schmit said to Gierach, adding that he was happy to be able to provide some funding to help the pantry continue in its success. "There are so many people in need."

"My gosh, that's fantastic. I really appreciate it," Gierach said after learning the check's amount. 

The day before, Thursday, the pantry had served 28 people. The pantry is less than a year old, having opened in January.