Local Men Team Up to Support the Family Center at Annual Fundraiser
Submitted by Deb Cleworth
Special to the City Times
Tickets on sale for 13th annual Men in the Kitchen
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Twelve male-led teams will showcase their culinary talents at The Wisconsin Rapids Family Center’s 13th annual Men in the Kitchen.
The fundraiser is Feb. 24 at Bull’s Eye Country Club, 2800 Ridgewood Trail, Wisconsin Rapids. Proceeds from the event go to support the work of The Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, a non-profit agency providing shelter and services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are available to victims at no cost.
This year’s chef teams are led by:
Lloyd Lacasse of Domtar;
Joel Flewellen, Wisconsin Rapids Police Department lieutenant and co-owner of J2 Catering;
Zach Vruwink, Wisconsin Rapids Mayor;
Joel Goodness, sponsored by WG&R Express;
Jason Wardour & Tim McKellips, gold sponsor Safe-Way Bus Transit and Cranmoor Cranberries;
Rich Grube, gold sponsor, Ho-Chunk Gaming-Nekoosa;
Sheriff Thomas Reichert and Captain Shawn Becker, Wood County Sheriff Department;
Erman Blevins, Wisconsin Rapids Police Chief;
Mike Barrett and John Young of the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre;
Caleb Coder sponsored by Verso Corp.;
Dr. Robert Martin, cardiologist, silver sponsor, Aspirus and
Justin Pluess of the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department.
The event includes a social hour cash bar, prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and auctions. Valet parking is available for all guests. This year’s Fund-A-Need auction proceeds will support nights of shelter for children of victims who are in shelter.
“We’re going to focus on the things we do for kids when they’re in shelter with us,” explained Sue Sippel, Executive Director at The Family Center. “It’s obviously an important piece, it’s the hope for change for the future.”
While at The Family Center, children learn a host of strategies to help keep them safe, deal with trauma they might have experienced, learn positive behaviors, and just have fun, Sippel said.
Gold sponsors for the event include Ho-Chunk Gaming-Nekoosa, Safe-Way Bus Transit/Cranmoor Cranberries, Verso Corporation, Whitetail Properties Hunting Lands-Brian Ruesch, and Weiland Law Offices. Silver sponsors include Solarus, Aspirus, Elm Lake Cranberry, Pelner-Williams Plumbing and Heating, and Paper City Savings. Renaissance Learning and Bull’s Eye Credit Union are Friend Sponsors.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with the social hour/cash bar; followed by dinner from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Fund-A-Need auction follows dinner. Raffles include a two-night stay at the historic White House in Wisconsin Rapids, theatre and movie tickets, a signed Packers football and more. Valet parking will be provided from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $100 per person. All proceeds benefit The Family Center, a nonprofit agency providing support and shelter for victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. All services are confidential and provided at no cost to the victim.
Come out for a night of fun, food, and fundraising — and support The Family Center!
Contact communications@familyctr.org, or MITKTIX18@gmail.com or call 715-421-1559 for ticket information.
