Funds raised support Boys & Girls Club of Portage County Youth

FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT — On Friday, April 21, the 19th 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 and supporters, and more than 170 sponsors, this year’s event became the most successful in its history, the second 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 event, 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 incredibly grateful for our generous community which is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families,” said Mikayla Kleifgen, Director of Development & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club. “There were so many powerful, moving moments throughout the evening that we are able to see daily at the club, so it was wonderful to be able to share that with those at the event,” she added.

A big hit during the event was the Miami Yacht Cruise, a private charter out of Miami, Florida. 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.

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.

“We continue to be blown away by the hundreds of people and businesses who contribute to making this event memorable for our guests and impactful for Portage County youth,” added Kleifgen. “For the second year in a row, this is the most funding we have ever raised in one night for our club members.”

Funds raised assist the Boys & Girls Club in providing free, healthy meals every day at each of the club sites, daily assistance with homework, 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, Kaitlyn Herman, shared a heartwarming story from her time as a club member in her youth. 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 members for a year, bring club members to the Copps Municipal Pool, and feed members free lunch each day this summer.

Furthermore, 100 percent of the proceeds raised at the event directly benefit the youth who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.

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 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.