(Cazenovia, NY – Nov. 17, 2015) The Madison County Farm Bureau’s second annual Celebrity Bartender Night at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia brought in $1,750 to benefit the hunger-relief mission of the Food Bank of Central New York. The event brought together farmers and the non-farm public for a night of food, local wines, beers and spirits and live entertainment.
Building on the success of their inaugural event last year, the Madison County Farm Bureau once again partnered with Owera Vineyards and the Food Bank of Central New York to shine the spotlight on hunger locally, while also raising awareness on the importance of local farms to their communities. The concept for the evening’s festivities originated from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Harvest For All” campaign that aims to create a hunger free America.
“To be able to top what we raised last year is really gratifying,” said Johanna Bossard, Promotion and Education Chair for the Madison County Farm Bureau. “Our members are committed to supporting our community and the Food Bank of CNY is such a worthy organization.” Bossard also placed an emphasis on the generosity of the team at Owera. They not only donated their tasting room, but also 20 percent of their sales.
“We were overwhelmed by the support again this year at the Madison Country Farm Bureau Celebrity Bartending Night at Owera Vineyards. Everyone worked so hard to plan and host the event with proceeds helping to support our nutritious food distribution efforts,” said Lynn Hy, Director of Philanthropy and Development for the Food Bank of Central New York.
The Madison County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Food Bank staff and special guest CNY Central’s Brandon Roth became waiters, waitresses, bartenders and dishwashers showcasing Owera’s award-winning wines to a packed tasting room. The Old Stone Clay, made up of Madison County Farm Bureau members, provided the musical entertainment for the evening.
“We, at Owera Vineyards, believe we have a responsibility to give back to our communities and it is our pleasure to do so. We have really enjoyed the relationship we have built with the Madison County Farm Bureau and the Food Bank of Central New York. We would like to thank them for the opportunity to help support this worthy cause for a second year,” 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.”