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Taste of Wisconsin

Event raises $10,000 for Manawa park

By Holly Neumann


With more than 100 people in attendance, Taste of Wisconsin raised more than $10,000 for the Manawa Area Veterans Freedom Park.

“It surpasses last year by more than $3,000,” said John Smith, who hosts the event along with his wife Robyne. “All of the proceeds will be going directly to the Manawa Area Veterans Freedom Park. This is just a small step in the journey to raise $440,000 to build the park.”

A quilt, donated by Barb Hansen, was auctioned off for $1,800.

“A group of attendees who felt the quilt represented every war era, and therefore every military personnel, purchased it,” Smith said. “They felt there was only one place for the quilt to be displayed and that was the Grand Army Home in King (Wisconsin Veterans Home at King).”

According to Smith, the group thought it would be able to be appreciated by the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

“Knowing that the quilt could possibly be going and be put on display at King Veterans Home (Wisconsin Veterans Home at King), I believe gives the whole community great sense of pride,” he said. “Knowing that we are able to give back to those who gave so much for us is a special feeling that cannot be described.”

The Smiths, who have hosted the event for five years, have donated proceeds to a variety of local charities.

“We are proud to say that all of the money raised at our events stays right in Waupaca County,” he said. “These are charities that we believe in.”

He gives credit for the success of Taste of Wisconsin to the local business owners and private individuals who have donated to the cause and to the participants who attended.

“Time and time again they have shown how generous, compassionate and dedicated they are to making sure our charities of choice receive a wonderful gift,” he said.

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