ELLSWORTH – The 12^th annual Taste of Tuscany fundraising event has a few surprises for guests this year. You are invited to Vino in the Valley Friday, June 2 for an evening of live music, Italian food, wine, auctions and raffles galore.

The mission of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Ellsworth Community School District Foundation, which benefits from the fundraiser, is dedicated to enhancing and enriching educational opportunities for ECSD students through private funding. Teachers can apply for EXCELL grants for field trips, supplies, or special projects that fall outside the scope of the district’s regular budget.

The foundation also chooses an annual Teacher of the Year award winner from nominations, supplying them with a recognition plaque and $1,000. Ellsworth alumni, parents of students and current students can nominate their favorite teacher for the honor.

President Suki Mitchell and committee member Melissa Ryden are excited about additions to this year’s event, which is traditionally held in June. For example, the “What’s in Melissa’s Trunk” promotion of auction items on Facebook.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m always prepared for whatever,” Ryden said. “I always have random items in my trunk. A bagged chair, Diet Coke, mini bottles, alcohol, bug spray, toothbrush, sunscreen, sparklers, random items.”

This year’s silent auction items, which total more than 40, target unique experiences for bidders. Some example packages include passes to the Science Museum, restaurant gift cards, $300 tattoo gift certificates, Badgers tickets, Saints tickets, Treasure Island pool party, Valley Fair passes, Packers football, local business gift cards, riding lessons, photography sessions, fireworks and many more. 

“We really, really wanted to do it (the auction) online too,” Ryden said. “There are so many wonderful donations. Unfortunately, it’s a really busy time of year and some people can’t attend but would like to be able to bid on items. Vino can be sketchy with reception. We’re hoping next year we’ll have better internet connectivity.”

Both women are thankful for the support of Larry Brenner and Vino and the Valley for providing the venue, a delicious meal and allowing them to keep the ticket prices low, at $40. While dining on Italian fare, attendees will listen to live music from local legend Colleen Raye.

This is the first year the group has offered donors sponsorship opportunities with many different levels.

“There has been great participation from the community,” Mitchell said. “It’s been really good. Even before the event starts, it’s a success.”

Guests can also contribute by purchasing a $20 ticket for the “Wine Wall” raffle. Each buyer picks a numbered cork, which corresponds to a bottle of wine on the wall. One bottle is worth over $100, while others are quirky and fun.

The group will also host three rounds of 50/50 raffles and a bucket raffle. For the bucket raffle, purchase a paddle wheel, draw a number from the bucket and win the corresponding items. Items up for grabs include:

• At 5 p.m., a chic charcuterie board designed by Midwest Woodturners
• 5:30 p.m., a mini photo session with Five Pines Studio – Casey Dirks
• 6 p.m., Taylor Falls scenic boat tour for two
• 6:30 p.m., club level Milwaukee Brewers tickets for two
• 7 p.m., gift package from YB Urban? and Country Fit
• 7:30 p.m., beef and pork assortment from Christenson Livestock & Farm Products
• 8 p.m., Vino in the Valley certificate

Grants

Teachers can apply for the foundation for grants up to $1,000 each. This year, the group sponsored Trout in the Classroom for fifth graders, who raised trout and released them into the Trimbelle River.

“It’s all about enhancing the students’ experience,” Mitchell said. “The English Department can really help a child understand a book if they can experience it, for example.”

Kim Catron took eighth-grade students to see “Newsies Jr.,” where people of all abilities were actors in the show. The foundation also funds character education retreats encouraging wisdom, courage, kindness, and respect for grades 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 each year. Another project was T-shirts for Service Learning Day.

“We fill the gaps that the budget can’t handle to enhance the experience” Ryden said. “We want to do stuff that helps them remember and reinforce the basics.”

This year’s goal is $75,000 and the foundation wants to give it all away. They have rebranded their organization with a new logo and new website where Taste of Tuscany tickets can be purchased: www.ellsworthcommunityschoolfoundation.org under the events tab. Follow them on Facebook to see sneak peeks at auction items.