WINDHAM – On Aug. 14, more than 120 people came together at Windham Weaponry for a kick-off party to the second annual Community Coin Challenge serving the food banks of 10 local communities in the Lakes Region.

This Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event raised more than $21,000 in 2012 feeding 1,200 families for 60 days. Organizers aim to raise $40,000 in 2013 to expand their reach and help more people in need. As of Aug. 22, more than $8,000 had been raised already.

The coin challenge will culminate at the second annual Octoberfest Community Celebration, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Buck’s Naked BBQ in North Windham. The event will be full of free family fun and be bigger and better than last year, organizers say.

At the kick-off, Windham Weaponry’s Hall of Flags filled quickly with people, laughter and coins. More than 100 people attended the party hosted by Windham Weaponry and longtime chamber member Sheri Huff, co-owner of Lee Family Trailer Sales.

“It was a great turnout,” said Huff. “I love that there were new faces there, people who were just there to support the challenge and our local food pantries.”

Chamber Executive Director Aimee Senatore was also thrilled with the turnout.

“The energy surrounding this event is like nothing I have experienced before,” said Senatore. “The generosity of the businesses and individuals from our community amazes me.”

Huff not only hosted and co-sponsored the event, but she also created the event.

“I was working out on my elliptical one morning, and I was brainstorming ways to bring all 10 communities together and I just kept thinking, ‘what do they all have in common,’ said Huff. “Then it hit me. They all have food pantries and every community has families in need, so it seemed like a perfect way to bring all 10 towns together while helping people at the same time.”

Huff has concocted many chamber events in the past including WOMB, (Women’s Outlook on Maine Business) hosted by Good Morning America’s Joan Lunden, and Bid of Christmas Silent Auction.

“I am incredibly grateful for our event chair, Sheri Huff. Few people encompass her contagious enthusiasm and drive to help those less fortunate,” said Senatore. “I appreciate her long-standing commitment to this chamber and her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in our communities.”

Last year, the event raised $21,000, which was $1,000 above Huff’s personal goal, and this year she is doubling the goal.

“This year, the goal is $40,000,” said Huff. “We are hoping to send 400 jars into the community. If each jar came back with $100, we’d hit our goal. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Thanks to a $5,000 donation by Windham Weaponry, and $3,000 raised the night of the kick-off event, the challenge seems to be heading in the right direction.

The chamber aims to distribute all 400 mason jars around the Lakes Region to businesses and residents who have 10 weeks to raise money for the food pantries in the 10 communities that make up the chamber.

To get a jar or more information, visit http://www.sebagolakeschamber.com. Mason jars will be available at the chamber office located at 747 Roosevelt Trail between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Coin Challenge