May 1, 2022 was a wrap for another successful Lake Geneva Restaurant Week and not only were there many happy diners but there were five especially elated local charities too. That’s because these non-profits, as voted on by restaurant-goers, received checks ranging from $1,000 for the four runners-up to $5,000 for the winning charity, courtesy of this year’s Charity Check sponsor, Tito’s Handmake Vodka. Here's the rundown of happy recipients:
$5,000 Winner: Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank
This charity provides nutritional supplemental food, diapers, and supplies during time of crisis.
Pictured left to right: Stephanie Klett - Visit Lake Geneva CEO; Matt Foster - Tito’s Wisconsin representative; Susan Hughes - Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank Executive Director
$1,000 Runner-up: Yerkes Observatory
Known globally as the birthplace of modern astrophysics, this 1897 Observatory is being restored and reopened under the stewardship of the Yerkes Future Foundation.
$1,000 Runner-up: Side by Side
The volunteers at this charity respond to neighbors in need of compassion, hope, community resources, and financial assistance.
Pictured left to right: Dennis Kois - Executive Director Yerkes, Walt Chadick - Director of Programs, Matt Foster - Tito's, Christi Hunter - Partner Manager VISIT Lake Geneva
$1,000 Runner-up: New Beginnings APFV
This community organization helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking as well as their affected family members.
Pictured left to right: Deanna Goodwin - Vice President of Marketing, Development, & Communications VISIT Lake Geneva; Barb Steinmetz - President New Beginnings; Matt Foster - Tito's
Pictured left to right: Matt Foster - Tito's; Suzi Schoenhoft -Executive Director New Beginnings, Deanna Goodwin - Vice President VISIT Lake Geneva
$1,000 Runner-up: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
The Conservancy volunteers are dedicated to protecting the forests and waters of this 231-acre preserve for the enjoyment of all future generations.
Pictured left to right: Harold Friestad - Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy board chairman; Stephanie Klett - VISIT Lake Geneva CEO
RECOGNIZING HARD WORK
This year’s spring Restaurant Week, held at the end of April, had chefs at nearly 30 restaurants showcasing the dishes that define their specific eatery, with all specialty menu items offered at promotional pricing. This is the seventh year VISIT Lake Geneva has hosted the community’s Restaurant Week and without the hard work of each restaurant’s dedicated staff, this event could not take place. VISIT Lake Geneva offered each participating restaurant a chance to nominate their restaurant team members that played a significant role or went above and beyond during Restaurant Week. Those selected in the Restaurant Week Staff Appreciation Drawing were awarded with prizes from VISIT Lake Geneva partners including:
* Gift Cards to Safari Lake Geneva
* Lunch Cruise for 2 on Lake Geneva Cruise Line
* Escape Room Experience from Lake Geneva Clue Room
* Brewers Tickets from CJW
* Various Dining and Lodging Gift Cards
* And much More!
These outstanding employees recognized all have been described as “amazing team players,” the “hardest workers” and are THE MVPs to their restaurants’ success":
* Sean Omalley – server at Pier 290 (Pictured left with Pier 290 Management)
* Kristy Barrett – server at Pier 290
* Jake Millichamp – server and bartender at Gino’s East
* Kelly Bobek – server at Gino’s East
* Danial Vazquez – cook at Gino’s East
* Riley Oman – assistant manager at Magpie’s Den & Pen
* Kara Carlson – assistant manager at Turtle Lake Tap & Grill
* Nikita Hartzheim – server at Turtle Lake Tap & Grill
* Chad Visger – pastry chef at Turtle Lake Tap & Grill
VISIT Lake Geneva would like to thank all that participated, dined, and supported the community organizations this year! Cheers to another year of good eats, good drinks, and great service!