Perrysburg Rotary’s Major Fundraiser to Support Local Food Programs
As families across Wood County continue to face the daily challenge of putting food on the table, the Perrysburg Rotary Club plans to help address that need through its 42nd annual community fundraiser, Bootleggers Bash.
The event will take place 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 Hepcat Revival, Ramona Collins, Gene Parker, Aayan Naim, and Randy Sobel. Those attending the event are encouraged to dress in the style of the Prohibition era to add to the festivities of the event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation’s critical initiative of supporting local food pantries, meal programs, and community organizations working to combat food insecurity. According to local data, hunger continues to impact many households in the region:
- 1 in 7 people in Wood County faces food insecurity
- 1 in 5 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
“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.
“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.”
Funds raised from Bootleggers Bash will support 13 organizations serving Wood County, reaching thousands of residents across multiple communities:
1. Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry
2. Community Food Pantry / Weston Church of Christ
3. Connecting Kids to Meals
4. Eastwood Community Food Pantry / Pemberville
5. Feed Our Families / Zoar Lutheran Church
6. First Christian Church of Bowling Green
7. Fishes and Loaves / Unity United Methodist Church
8. Islamic Food Bank / The Heights
9. Otsego Food Pantry
10. St. John's Lutheran Church Food Pantry
11. St. Thomas More Food Pantry
12. Tim's Rescue Kitchen
13. Wood County Committee on Aging
Based upon early Sponsorship purchases, The Perrysburg Rotary Club and its non-profit 501(c)(3) Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation feel this year’s fundraiser will be a roaring success and a needed benefit to local nonprofit organizations providing food assistance and related services.
Tickets are available at $125 per person and includes a sit-down dinner. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting prcf.org/events.
