Grammy Award-winning country star Pam Tillis will be the headliner at Gov. Jack Markell’s Sixth Annual Summer Bash.

The A Better Delaware campaign event will begin at noon, Saturday, June 6, in Milton.

“As we navigate these trying economic times, we recognize there are individuals and families in need,” said Markell, “so we’ve selected the Food Bank of Delaware to support this year.”

The goal of the party is to not only raise some money for the Food Bank, but to fill a trailer with nonperishable food, said Corey Marshall-Steele, event organizer.

“The party has grown significantly each year since it started in 2003 as a fundraiser for the governor.

“We’re expecting 1,500 people this year. If each guest brings one or two food items, we’ll be able to provide tremendous support to needy families throughout the state.”

The Food Bank of Delaware not only distributes nonperishable foods to individuals, but it also offers the products to feeding programs and qualified agencies.

The bank has refrigerator and freezer space at its Milford and Newark facilities. The organization partners with a variety of food distributors who sell fresh and frozen foods to the bank at discounted prices.

The bank, in turn, offers the food to be distributed to qualified food pantries, soup kitchens, day-care centers, youth programs, senior centers, homeless shelters, residential shelters, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and faith-based organizations.

Many of the more than 90,000 people the Food Bank of Delaware will help this year are children and senior citizens. “In an average week, we serve more than 16,000 people who are in emergency situations,” said Patricia Beebe, Food Bank of Delaware president and CEO. “As the unemployment rate climbs, so does the need for food in our communities. We are so grateful the governor has decided to use his annual event to help us fill our pantries for those who are in such dire straits.”

Although Tillis followed the steps of her father - legendary country star Mel Tillis - her music blends a variety of music genres for a unique, soulful sound. She is known for such hits as “Maybe It Was Memphis,” “Mandolin Rain” and “All the Good Ones Are Gone.”

Tickets for the 2009 Summer Bash are $25 per attendee over age 16.

The price includes the concert, food and beverages. The party will be at 313 Walnut St., Milton. For more information and tickets, visit www.annualsummerbash.com