Raising Funds for Children's Education: Ozarks Public Television's 35th Annual Wine and Food Celebration

Ozarks Public Television is celebrating its 35th year by hosting a Wine and Food Celebration to raise funds for children's educational programming. The event, sponsored by Easter Law Firm, will take place on October 12th at the White River Conference Center in Springfield, Missouri. Guests will have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and sip on a variety of wines, craft beers, and cocktails, all while supporting a worthy cause.

Empowering Young Minds: Ozarks Public Television's Mission

Nurturing Educational Growth

Ozarks Public Television (OPT) has been a staple in the Ozarks region for over three decades, providing high-quality educational programming to children across the area. The station's annual Wine and Food Celebration serves as a crucial fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting PBS Kids programming. These shows, such as "Sesame Street," "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood," and "Donkey Hodie," are instrumental in building core literacy, math, and socio-emotional skills in over 90,000 children who tune in to OPT each week.

Fostering Community Engagement

The Wine and Food Celebration is not just a fundraiser; it's an opportunity for the community to come together and support a shared vision for the education and development of local children. By attending the event, guests can indulge in delectable local cuisine, sample a variety of beverages, and enjoy live entertainment, all while contributing to the continued success of OPT's educational initiatives.

Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence

This year's Wine and Food Celebration marks a significant milestone for Ozarks Public Television, as the station celebrates its 35th year of service to the community. The event's featured guest, Emmy award-winning TV host, best-selling cookbook author, and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich, will add an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the festivities.

Enhancing the Celebration Experience

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the event offers "Advance Gold" tickets for $100. These tickets provide early entry, a meet-and-greet with Lidia Bastianich, valet parking, reserved seating, and a commemorative wine glass. Regular event tickets can be purchased for $40 in advance or $60 at the door, ensuring that the celebration is accessible to a wide range of attendees.

Showcasing Local Culinary Talent

The Wine and Food Celebration will feature an impressive lineup of local restaurants and drink vendors, each offering samples of their finest offerings. From Avanzare and Bambino's to Pappo's Pizzeria and The Urban Cup, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights. The participating drink vendors, including 4 By 4 Brewing Company, Bommarito Wine, and Springfield Brewing Company, will provide a complementary selection of beverages to pair with the local cuisine.

Engaging in Exciting Festivities

In addition to the food and drink sampling, the event will also include a raffle, Plinko, and live musical entertainment, ensuring that guests have a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. These interactive activities will add an element of fun and excitement to the celebration, further enhancing the community's support for Ozarks Public Television's mission.

Investing in the Future

By attending the Wine and Food Celebration, guests are not only indulging in a delightful culinary and social experience but also making a meaningful investment in the future of children's education in the Ozarks region. The funds raised through this event will directly support the continued production and distribution of high-quality PBS Kids programming, ensuring that the next generation of learners has access to the resources they need to thrive.