For the City Times

PORTAGE COUNTY – This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin (BBBS) is taking Taste of the Town on the road and joining forces with local vendors and restaurants, in a restructured event – Taste of the Town #TOGETHER.

Throughout the month of August, BBBS will sell tickets to receive “Taste Tokens” which can be used towards purchases at any of the 18 participating vendors. Taste Tokens are broken down into vouchers which can be used throughout the entire month of August. Individuals may choose to use all of their Taste Tokens at one vendor or split them up to use at multiple vendors. BBBS will reimburse restaurants/vendors for any Taste Tokens that are redeemed at their business.

Every ticket purchased also includes an entry for a chance to win one of several prizes including a custom “Bags” Set, Apple AirPods, “Party on the Patio” package donated by Guu’s on Main, “Porch”trait session donated by Splendid Photography, and other prizes. Plus a portion of each ticket sold is donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters to support local youth mentoring.

Ticket holders may redeem their Taste Tokens at any of the following participating vendors: Amber Grill; District 1 Brewing Company; Father Fats; The BottleStop; Feltz’s Dairy Store; Grazies Italian Grill; Kasuns Smokehouse; Mission Coffee House; Polito’s Pizza; Rockman’s Catering;Samoeun’s Happy Wok; Ski’s Meat Market; Sunset Point Winery; Dilly Dahl Deli; The Coffee Studio; ZEST Bakery & Coffeehouse; King Cone; Moose Family Center

Taste of the Town is an annual fundraiser hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin and all money raised supports local youth mentoring. BBBS mentoring programs are more important than ever, as they are a lifeline of support for so many children right now.

Despite COVID-19, services have not stopped throughout Central Wisconsin.Big Brothers Big Sisters is positioned to provide personalized out-of-school, virtual support, and their mentors continue to serve as a vital source of consistency and connection.

“Mentoring is an essential service. Continuing the personal connection between our Bigs and Littles is more important than ever. We know our services are critical and we will be here long after this crisis ends,” stated BBBS Executive Director Dawn Cherek. “We are excited to partner with local restaurants and vendors who have been here for us over the years. Together we can support our kids and community.”

To purchase Taste of the Town #TOGETHER tickets or for more information, visit www.bigimpact.org.