{image1}If you're looking for an excuse to throw an end-of-summer soiree, we've got the perfect party idea for you. Set aside Thursday, Aug. 12 to host your very own Garden Gala to raise funds for the Milwaukee Public Market scheduled to open next summer in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
Although called a Garden Gala, it is not mandatory that your social be held in a back yard lavish in lilacs, ivy or roses. Instead, the point of these get-togethers is for local residents and businesses to work as one to support a public cause in a friendly atmosphere.
"This is the first event we're doing, and it's a volunteer-driven, motivated and executed event," says Evelyn Woods, campaign manager for the MPM.
Hosts can serve beer and brats or wine and cheese. This gala should be personalized just like any other party a person has. And anyone can do it.
All you have to do is round up at least eight friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members, some food and drink, and you're set. It's a minimum donation of $10 per person, but $25 will get donators into the charter friends of the MPM group.
If you hurry and sign up early to be a host, you're name will be entered to win an "Iron-Chef"-themed gala. Scott Shully of Shully's Cuisine will come cook for the winner's guests. That's not the only perk to putting on a MPM Garden Gala, Mimma Megna of Mimma's Café has donated a cooking class for 10-15 for hosts who raise over $200.
MPM committee members crafted this event to "have a casual feel, it doesn't have to be anything fancy," Woods says. "We just hope this will increase the visibility of the Milwaukee Public Market and bring the young professionals together."
And one more thing they're hoping people will realize, "This is not a produce market, it is a public market," she says.
If you want to support the efforts of the MPM by hosting your own Garden Gala, volunteering or donating please register at the Public Market Web site, which is milwaukeepublicmarket.org/events or call (414) 336-1111.
