From PERRYSBURG ROTARY CLUB
As families across Wood County continue to face the daily challenge of putting food on the table, the Perrysburg Rotary Club aims to address that need through its 42nd annual community fundraiser, Bootleggers Bash. The event will take place on Friday, April 24, from 6 – 11 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg.
The Prohibition-era themed evening will feature live jazz and blues from local performers including Hepcat Revival, Ramona Collins, Gene Parker, Aayan Naim, and Randy Sobel. Those attending are encouraged to dress in the style of the Prohibition era to add to the festivities of the event.
The evening will include a sit-down dinner, themed cocktails at a cash bar, and opportunities to give back while having a good time. Reservations are required, and tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Tickets and sponsorships can be secured online at prcf.org.
“This event has been months in the making,” said Tami Wise, event chair. “Our Rotarians are passionate about creating an experience that’s not only fun and memorable, but truly impactful. Dollars raised will help combat food insecurity by assisting a number of countywide agencies involved in the struggle to provide food access.”
“After many years in the food industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking reality of families struggling to put food on the table,” said Greg Rufty, president of the Perrysburg Rotary Club. “No one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. The need is urgent, and this fundraiser is our way of stepping up to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.”
Funds raised from Bootleggers Bash will support 13 organizations serving Wood County, reaching thousands of residents across multiple communities:
- Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry
- Community Food Pantry – Weston Church of Christ
- Connecting Kids to Meals
- Eastwood Community Food Pantry – Pemberville
- Feed Our Families – Zoar Lutheran Church – Perrysburg
- First Christian Church – Bowling Green
- Fishes and Loaves – Unity United Methodist Church
- Islamic Food Bank – The Heights
- Otsego Food Pantry
- St. John’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry
- St. Thomas More Parish – Bowling Green
- Tim’s Rescue Kitchen
- Wood County Committee on Aging
“We conducted a rigorous and thoughtful process to solicit grant requests,” said Len Kinor, Perrysburg Rotarian. “Organizations submitted detailed applications, and our committee carefully evaluated each request to ensure funds will be directed where they will have the greatest impact in helping people access nutritious food.”
According to local data, hunger continues to impact many households in the region:
- One in seven people in Wood County faces food insecurity.
- One in five children are affected.
- 15% of residents struggle to reliably put food on the table.
- 31% of school-age children qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Mercy Health serves as presenting sponsor, with support from the following additional sponsors: Ed & Hallie Nagel; Roetzel; Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce; Edward Jones; McGivern Jewelers; Perrysburg/Sylvania Moving & Packing; Skotynsky Financial Group; Swig; Joanie Asendorf; Asset Protection Corp.; Buckeye Builders; Genoa Bank; Perrysburg Auto Mall; Rudolph Libbe; Dick & Annette Sipp; Mark Becker, DDS; Corporate Intelligence Consultants; Martin and Wood Appraisal Group, Ltd.; Plante Moran; SLA Insurance Pros; Spengler Nathanson PLL; Trilogy/Kingston; VanHoozen Insurance & Investment Services; Mark & Rachel Weber; West Erie Realty Solutions, Ltd,; Marvin Whitfield, Yark Automotive Group; Carl & Tami Wise; Hilton Garden Inn; Mager Design; Venzel Communications Inc., and Welch Publishing.
Tickets are available for $125 per person and includes a sit-down dinner. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit prcf.org/events.
