Food tasting is back by demand

What could be better than sampling delicious local food items and raising money for education at the same time?

Food for Thought is a tasting event where area businesses offer food specialties for guests to sample. Most things are in miniature, so guests will have more room to sample all the different goodies, with past highlights ranging from ribs and coleslaw, brisket bites and lamb chops to baklava, tiny cupcakes, tasty ice cream and much more.

The seventh annual tasting event is set for Thursday, Jan. 16, from 4:30-7 p.m. in the commons and amphitheater at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. The money raised goes toward student scholarships at the college.

"What started seven years ago as a simple idea has grown into a popular and successful event. Last year we raised $20,000 for our student scholarship fund at this event," said Mary Soyring, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Foundation Board representative. "While this is a fun community event to raise funds for student scholarships, the better moment is when scholarships are presented to our students. It's always satisfying to know that what might seem to be a small scholarship can change the course of a student's life."

Approximately 15 local vendors have volunteered to provide samples of their signature food and beverage specialties this year, including Carmen's, Chef's Marketplace, Cold One Liquor, Common Ground, Family Tradition, Jim-n-Jo's Catering, Magnolia Café, Mama's Best Baklava, Northern Waters Smokehaus, Papa Murphy's, Room at the Table Catering & Bakery, Seven Fires Steakhouse, Streetcar Kitchen & Pub, Trapper Pete's, Warming House, and a few other surprises.

Everyone attending the Food for Thought can vote for their favorite food and dessert presented during the evening. The Golden Spoon Award and Silver Spoon Dessert Award are based on the popular vote held during the event and the coveted awards are presented to the vendors at the end of the evening.

A highlight of previous Food for Thought events returns, the Wall of Wine. For a donation of $20, guests randomly select a bottle of wine and an envelope containing a gift card ranging in value from $10 to $100 donated from an area business. The 100-

bottle Wall of Wine sells out every year.

Another fundraising activity during the event will be a silent auction for items including an overnight stay at Fitger's Inn plus a Fitger's Coffee Basket, an Oldenburg House Bed & Breakfast overnight stay, a helicopter tour of Duluth/Lake Superior waterfront, a quilt, baked goods, jewelry, art, and additional items.

A separate raffle for donated high-value prizes will also be part of the evening's festivities. The $10 raffle tickets are available now and prizes include a $1,000 travel voucher, float plane tour, television and custom fire pit ring.

Tickets for the event may be purchased at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Business Office service window, at Reliable Insurance Agency, or from Foundation board members. The ticket cost is $25 per person in advance, and $30 per person at the door on the day of the event. Foundation board members encourage purchasing tickets in advance, as previous events sold out and tickets are selling quickly again.