Madison County Farm Bureau Raises Money for the Food Bank

(Cazenovia, NY – Dec. 2014) The Madison County Farm Bureau recently played host to a fun-filled event at Owera Vineyards to benefit the hunger-relief mission of the Food Bank of Central New York. The Celebrity Bartender Night brought together farmers and the non-farm public for a night of great food, local wines, beers and spirits and live entertainment. In total, $1,131 was raised for the Food Bank.

“I am so pleased with the wonderful turnout and the generosity of the team at Owera Vineyards and the Madison County Farm Bureau Board Members who donated their time for such a worthy organization.” said Johanna Bossard, Promotion and Education Chair for the Madison County Farm Bureau.

“Food Bank of Central New York was proud to partner with the Madison County Farm Bureau during last week’s Celebrity Bartender Night. This event was a terrific display of the respect and partnership between these two agencies throughout the year. With the funds raised, Food Bank will be able to provide enough food for 3,958 nutritious meals,” said Lynn Hy, Director of Philanthropy and Development for the Food Bank of Central New York.

Bossard modeled the event after the American Farm Bureau Federations Harvest For All campaign that aims to create a hunger free America. “It was a great opportunity to put the spotlight on hunger locally, but also bring awareness to where our food comes from and just how important farms are to their communities,” said Bossard.

The Madison County Farm Bureau Board of Directors became waiters, waitresses, bartenders and dishwashers showcasing Owera’s award winning wines to a packed tasting room and interacting with people that were unfamiliar with Farm Bureau and its mission. Bossard noted that Owera Vineyards could not have been more welcoming. They not only donated their tasting room, but also 20% of their sales.

“We, at Owera Vineyards, believe we have a responsibility to give back to our communities and it’s our pleasure to do so. We would like to thank the Madison County Farm Bureau and the Food Bank of Central New York for the opportunity to help support this worthy cause,” said Dawn Schmidt, Events and Promotions Manager Owera Vineyards.

“Knowing that all our efforts will greatly impact the lives of so many around us is very rewarding to me and I am so happy to be part of an organization that feels as strongly as I do about helping provide food to those in need,” said Bailey Coon Young Farmer Chair, Madison County Farm Bureau. “I encourage everyone to make a donation to your local food pantry or food bank, especially this time of the year when holidays can be so difficult.”