We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the community who supported the first annual Power of the Palate on May 3.

The event was a success due to the generosity of many people: our celebrity chefs: Ken Alston of Austin Country Club, Kristine Melen of Hy-Vee, Thomas Dickhans of Hormel Foods and Erik Kleven of Four Daughters Winery; Austin Country Club; and everyone who donated a silent auction item.

We also need to thank everyone who purchased a ticket and came to the event. Your presence and support for children in Mower County was overwhelming. One hundred percent of the money raised at the event will be used for the weekend food backpack program and personal care closets in elementary schools. In all the Power of the Palate event raised almost $12,000. This will allow the WLI to provide more than 3,800 meals to students at Southgate and Woodson schools in the 2013-14 school year.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a women’s group recently formed to focus on ensuring children’s basis needs. We welcome every woman in Mower County to join and be part of a dedicated group of diverse women making real change happen.

This was a true community effort and we thank all of you for your part in making the Power of the Palate the beginning of a great adventure.

 

With sincere gratitude,

Women’s Leadership Initiative, Chris Grev and the United Way of Mower County