Taste of Wine & Cheese Breaks Records, Again!

Funds Raised Will Support the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County Youth
 
Stevens Point, WI--- On Friday, April 19, 2024, the 18^th annual Portage County Taste of Wine & Cheese event raised another record-breaking amount for youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. With over 700 guests, supporters, and Festival Foods, John & Patty Noel, Len Dudas Motors, WAOW, Midwest Communications, and more than 170 sponsors and auction donors, this year's event became the most successful in its history, the third time in a row.
 
Included during the evening were over 100 types of wines from around the world, dozens of specialty cheeses, hand-crafted local brews, desserts, fruits, a large silent auction, a Dippin’ for Bling raffle, Cork Pull Raffle, and a wishing tree comprised of items needed at the Clubs. 
 
The event continues to be one of the largest social fundraising nights in Portage County.  “We are deeply moved and grateful for the overwhelming support from our community, which has once again demonstrated its commitment to enriching the lives of our youth. This year's Taste of Wine & Cheese event broke records and reaffirmed the collective dedication to nurturing the potential of every child and family in Portage County,” added Mikayla Kleifgen, Director of Development & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club.
 
The Miami Yacht Cruise, a private charter out of Miami, Florida, was a big hit during the event. Presented again by Jon and Annette Vandehey along with Yacht Captain Ovidiu Astalus, the 4-day cruise prompted a bidding war, raising $22,000 alone. 
 
While Taste of Wine & Cheese is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, supporting their after-school and summer programs goes beyond one evening.
 
The staff at the Boys & Girls Club recognize that the success of this event would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and individuals who contributed to creating a fantastic evening.  “The outpouring of generosity from local businesses and individuals continues to amaze us. Through their unwavering support, we're able to create meaningful experiences in the lives of Portage County youth, while also making a positive difference. This event is a testament to the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together for a common cause. Every dollar raised directly contributes to creating brighter futures for the children and families we serve. My favorite part of this event is when people express their eagerness to visit our Boys & Girls Club after hearing the incredible stories. Walking them through the Club and witnessing the children having dinner, getting homework help, and having fun,” according to Kleifgen.
 
Funds raised assist the Boys & Girls Club in providing free, healthy meals every day at each of the Club sites, daily assistance with homework and fun activities, and being a safe place for children while parents are at work during the school year and summer months.
 
At the VIP pre-tasting event, Taste of the Vineyard, a staff member from the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, Linda Hull, shared a story about how she has positively impacted the life of a Club member who was struggling to graduate but is now in a place to pursue post-secondary schooling. Zuri Hebblewhite, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County’s Youth of the Year, also shared her story. Together, funds raised at the event will help waive summer membership fees for Club members, pay for college students to be mentors for Club members this summer, cover the operational costs to serve Club members for a year, bring Club members to the Copps Municipal Pool, and feed Club members free lunch each day this summer. 
 
100% of the proceeds raised at the event directly benefit the youth who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.
 
The 19^th annual Taste of Wine & Cheese will be hosted on Friday, April 25^th, 2025. It is encouraged to purchase your tickets early as they usually sell out quickly.
 
Pictures from the event will be shared on the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bgclubpc. 
 
 
About Boys & Girls Club Portage County
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County continues to be a resource for youth and families and for Portage County.  The Boys & Girls Club welcomes new Club members each day.  At the Boys & Girls Club, new doors are opened for new opportunities and to build great futures. The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County serves over 2,000 youth and offers nine Portage County locations in: Stevens Point, Plover, Junction City, Rosholt, and Almond/Bancroft. For more information or to make a donation, visit their website and Facebook page.  Youth can join Boys & Girls Club for an annual membership fee of just $10 with affordable enrollment fees for summer and school year seasons.  Visit – www.bgclubpc.org and www.facebook.com/bgclubpc.