Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
The Shawano Area Community Foundation is trying something a little different — and a bit more ambitious — with its next fundraiser.
The SACF will host its first Harvest Moon Soirée, which the foundation hopes will become an annual event, Sept. 30 at Camp Tekakwitha.
The soirée will feature craft cocktails, cuisine from a nationally renowned chef and entertainment provided by a string quartet; not typical hallmarks of a SACF fundraiser.
“We’ve done golf outings and things like that,” said board member Jon Meyers, who chairs the committee organizing the event. “We wanted to take a different approach.”
Meyers said the foundation wanted to try something with “a high-end feel” to it, and acknowledged it was more ambitious than the usual fundraiser.
“That’s a good word for it,” he said.
The ticket price for the event is $250 per person.
When you consider the additional spending that takes place at a golf outing — including the bar and raffle tickets — that probably amounts to upward of $200, Meyer said.
There will be no raffles held at the soiree or any other financial “asks,” Meyer said.
“We’re going to give it a try,” he said. “We’re hoping for good attendance.”
Meyer said the event has received major donations from the Blaser Foundation and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats.
He said the foundation is hoping to raise $15,000 after expenses.
Proceeds from the evening are directed to the SACF’s Shawano Area Fund, which benefits local area nonprofit organizations working to preserve and improve the quality of life in Shawano County.
The itinerary for the evening includes craft cocktails from 6-7 p.m.; chef’s tasting menu of seasonally inspired, heavy hors d’oeuvres by highly acclaimed chef Christopher Mangless from 7-9 p.m.; and entertainment provided by Heritage String Quartet.
Dress is business casual, and valet parking will be available.
Those interested can register for the Harvest Moon Soirée by calling 715-280-1110. Attendance for the event will be capped at 120 people. The deadline for registrations is Sept. 16.
The Shawano Area Community Foundation holds 77 charitable funds with about $7.5 million in assets. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life in the community, including serving those in need.