Extra-curricular school groups, youth sports, charities, and other nonprofit organizations work with Festival Foods to setup their operation and raise funds. “We are able to give these groups a chance to raise the money for their cause,” said Joe Neville, Bakery Manager. “Our guests and employees love to be able to help these groups raise the money and support them.”
The grocery store provides the gas grill, soda receptacle, roasters, paper hats, plastic gloves, garbage bags, probe thermometer, wax paper – even a portable hand washing station. All of the Oktoberfest brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, beverages, and homemade brat buns come from right inside the store.
From there, groups fire up the grill and get cooking. All profits go directly to the organization.
“It is a pleasure to work with Festival Foods,” said Randy Follen, Agency Manager of Marshfield Area Special Olympics. “Their mindset is to be able to help all nonprofit organizations in the area. They have been very friendly and willing to help out with any questions we have.”
Follen enjoys working with his athletes and seeing what each individual is capable of. “We break the stand into two hour shifts, but we have one athlete that loves to help with the grill, and he will work both days all day long,” he said. “There are others that like to sing and greet people. There is also one that likes to go shopping, so she gets the opportunity to help get the supplies needed in the stand. Each one has a different talent that it is fun to work with them.”
The Brat Stand allows the Marshfield Area Special Olympics to raise funds to help keep the agency free for all athletes to participate. Each athlete is required to volunteer at fundraisers throughout the year, and working the stand is an opportunity to fill some of those hours.
The Hannah Center, a local nonprofit, has also used the Brat Stand for many years. “A brat fry is a great way for us to connect with our community supporters, and share with the community our mission to assist women in life crisis through compassion and guidance in a nurturing environment,” said Tricia Fancher, Program Coordinator.
Since the organization doesn’t receive any state or federal funding, opportunities like the brat barn enable the Hannah Center to raise funds for food, clothing, diapers, wipes, and run its programs. “We appreciate working with Festival Foods, and the opportunity to connect with the community through their Brat Barn has been a great partnership!” she added.
Guests can find the brat barn on select dates through the rest of the summer for a quick lunch or supper. Dates are listed below.
July Dates:
Thursday, July 5: Senior Craft Shop
Friday, July 6: Senior Craft Shop
Saturday, July 7: Marshfield Silver Laces
Sunday, July 8: Marshfield Silver Laces
Wednesday, July 11: Mental Health Recovery
Thursday, July 12: American Legion
Friday, July 13: American Legion
Saturday, July 14: Hart Equine
Sunday, July 15: Hart Equine
Thursday, July 19: Sacred Heart Parish
Friday, July 20: Eastern Star
Saturday, July 21: Eastern Star
Sunday, July 22: WGSPR
Thursday, July 26: Special Olympics
Friday, July 27: Special Olympics
Saturday, July 28: The Hannah Center
August Dates:
Thursday, August 2: Companion Day Services
Friday, August 3: McMillan Mavericks 4-H
Saturday, August 4: McMillan Mavericks 4-H
Thursday, August 9: Sacred Heart Parish
Friday, August 10: Cast Matrons
Saturday, August 11: Cast Matrons
Friday, August 17: Catholic Financial
Saturday, August 18: Catholic Financial
Sunday, August 19: Greenwood High School Honor Society
Friday, August 24: Right to Play for All
Saturday, August 25: Christ Lutheran Church
