Get those taste buds ready to sample local cuisine.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative will host its third Power of the Palate from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Austin Country Club. The event features sampling of local cuisine with featured dishes by the chefs from the Austin Country Club, Four Daughter’s Winery and Hy-Vee.

All proceeds from the event will benefit WLI’s initiatives that work to meet the basic needs of children of Mower County. WLI’s weekend backpack program is established at six Mower County schools and provides food for 316 children to eat over the weekend.

The WLI also stocks Personal Care Closets in school throughout the county with personal hygiene items that are usually not available at food shelves.

Guests can also expect live music and drinks at the cash bar. End the evening with a cupcake donated by The Old Mill restaurant.

Tickets are $30 per person. In addition to sampling featured dishes, guests will also have the opportunity to sponsor a backpack for a child who is part of the weekend backpack program.

To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Initiative, Power of the Palate or to purchase tickets, contact United Way of Mower County at 507-427-2313, or visit www.uwmower.org/wli.