RiW announces Farm to Table Auction and Dance: Sept. 23

Rooted in Wyoming (RiW) has announced their seventh annual Farm to Table Auction and Dance Fundraiser is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Born in a Barn. This annual event includes a farm-to-table style meal prepared with seasonal locally sourced ingredients.

RiW was formed by Sheridan locals. The organization partners with 17 school and other community organizations within Sheridan and Johnson County through gardens, greenhouses, farm walls, grow towers, classes, and outreach to expand access to locally grown food for Wyoming families. 

The Farm to Table Auction and Dance Fundraiser will also feature a live and online silent auction, live music, and a dance.

According to a release, RiW is exploring the development of a teaching farm and collaborative center for self-sufficiency to help connect people to local food and increase educational opportunities around gardening and food production. RiW envisions a Collaborative Center for Self-Sufficiency at Bridges property that empowers and educates community members to grow their own food. RiW would like to establish a Teaching Garden, an Incubator Farm, and an Event and Education Space to realize this vision.

“2023 has been a great year for Rooted, we worked with Easterseals of Wyoming to build a new garden at their residential facility, we deepened our partnership with the VA to help revamp their Victory Garden, and we hosted seed-starting classes for more than 500 Sheridan County students. Ongoing collaborations with fifteen existing partner gardens gave RiW the opportunity to connect volunteers to gardens, act as a resource to programs, and expand the local food network,” RiW Executive Director David Johnson said. “Rooted’s commitment to our partnerships has never been stronger, and we are really excited about the future potential and impact at Bridges. Building a Collaborative Center for Self-Sufficiency will allow our community to ensure local food security. We are looking forward to expanding local growing spaces and encouraging the cultivation of healthy, nutrient-dense foods.”

Along with Board members Victoria Gray and Kim Jacobsen, event committee Chair Bonnie Gregory has put together what she calls, “a fabulous night of food, community, and music for a great cause.” 

“We hope you can join us. The seventh annual Farm to Table will look slightly different, as we are scaling back tickets and cultivating a more intentional night for attendees & our organization. You don’t want to miss it,” Gregory said.

RiW reports that nine chefs are collaborating with numerous local producers to create a seated, plated, and paired multi-course experience for this year’s meal, along with multiple bread and dessert bakers from the area. Music will include Wyoming bands Shot in the Foot and 10 Cent Stranger.

The public can support Rooted in Wyoming by purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor, donating to the auctions, or bidding on the auction items. Thanks to the generosity of the Standish Family Fund, donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000; matched offerings include sponsorships, ticket sales, and online and live auction proceeds. The online auction is open now, with items being added daily and running through the evening of the event.

For more information, click here.