For the past five+ years, 'Final Fridays' at The Wine Sellers (TWS), with local musician Bill Maakestad, has been a popular mainstay at The Wine Sellers in downtown Macomb, with Maakestad donating his earnings and tips to area nonprofits.
On Feb. 27, the proceeds will go to Loaves & Fishes of Macomb.
The February 'Final Friday' will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On the last Friday of each month, the man behind the mic (and guitar) plays at The Wine Sellers – sometimes solo, sometimes joined by other local musicians – and plays for donations for local organization. Joining him this month are the 'American Gauchos,' Jim Betts (pedal steel guitar), Brett Dougherty (acoustic bass) and Randy Smith (fiddle), with special guest vocalists Lysa Fox and Lisa Wipperling.
Since starting this initiative in 2020, Maakestad and The Wine Sellers have raised over $25,000 for 28 area nonprofits, ranging from local food pantries, social service programs, public radio, the humane society and education, among many other organizations. In addition, once or twice a year, Maakestad gives earnings to the aspiring young musicians who join him on The Wine Sellers stage.
Loaves & Fishes, Etc. of Macomb reopened Dec. 2 after a temporary closure so the organization could raise additional funds. Loaves & Fishes runs on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. at Prairieview Townhomes, 425 N. Prairie Ave., Macomb.
The not-for-profit provides grocery vouchers to McDonough County residents, and has been an average of 435 families monthly and spending over $15,000/month prior. Since the start of 2025, more than 3,905 households were served and close to $123,000 in food vouchers were distributed by Loaves & Fishes of Macomb. According to board members, the need has been far exceeding the organization's resources.
Loaves & Fishes began as a food pantry in 1993 as a collaborative venture between 12 area churches.
Following a closure from 2020-2022, the organization re-opened in the Prairieview Townhomes Community Center and has provided grocery vouchers once a month that could be used at Hy-Vee and Jackson Street Market in Macomb and the Bushnell Market.
Individuals interested in donating to Loaves & Fishes directly can contact loavesfishes309@gmail. com or send a message to the organization's Facebook page. Donations can also be sent to Loaves & Fishes, P.O. Box 9, Macomb, IL 61455.
