Dressed Up for Donuts
Madison Needs Network event helps purchase school supplies for children
An employee of Hurts Donut decorates donuts before putting the out on the shelves. Hurts Donut will be joined by other vendors such as Fosdal Home Bakery and Lane’s Bakery at the second annual Dressed Up for Donuts fundraiser at the Old Sugar Distillery on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Every year, more and more families are faced with many hardships, one of which occurs when their children are getting ready to go back to school. Supplies such as notebooks, backpacks, pens and pencils, binders and more can quickly put a dent in parents’ checkbooks.
Often, children end up attending classes in Madison without the required supplies necessary to help them continue their education on a daily basis.
That’s where the Madison Needs Network steps in. On Friday, Nov. 2, the group is holding an event called Dressed Up for Donuts at the Old Sugar Distillery at 7 p.m. All proceeds go toward helping local families in need.
Christina Harvey is the co-founder and active contributor of the Madison Needs Network. Her close friend, Katy Hager, started the non-profit organization two and a half years ago with a broad vision of helping the community.
The humble Hurts donut simply titled “Homer” offers an edible homage to The Simpsons.
“Over time, our vision focused on food insecurity and school readiness,” said Harvey “There’s still a core group of us that have been here since the beginning, and we are dedicated to helping families in the community.”
The second annual Dressed Up for Donuts fundraiser is a fun, interactive event. Madison food vendors such as Hurts Donut, Fosdal Home Bakery, and Lane’s Bakery – last year’s winner – submit a unique donut made specifically for the Dressed Up for Donuts event. Attendees can enjoy unlimited tastings of donuts, which will be cut into one-fourths, and vote for their favorites.
The fun doesn’t end there, though. A silent auction will be held with some impressive prizes. Choose from offers such as a private cooking lesson with Dan Bonanno, chef of Pig in a Fur Coat, a stay at the Governor’s Club at The Concourse Hotel, and much more. There is also the chance to participate in a raffle, and ticket holders can enjoy the full menu provided by the Old Sugar Distillery.
Comical and delicious, Hurts Donuts is the perfect treat for those looking to help the Madison Needs Network
The 2017 Dressed Up for Donuts event raised over $7,000 for families in need.
Most of the money is used to purchase school supplies for children in need and run a pop-up shop at Blackhawk Middle School where families can pick exactly what their children still need for the coming school year free of charge.
“Around 200 people attended our first pop-up,” said Harvey “This year we had over 500 and went even bigger, opening it up to everyone in the community instead of just students of Blackhawk Middle School.”
The Madison Needs Network is always accepting donations and volunteers for their big events. Their next one, a sock drive for the homeless, will be held at Funk’s Pub in Fitchburg on Tuesday, Nov. 27, during happy hour. Come in, get warm, enjoy delicious food, and bring all the socks you can.
Without the generosity of non-profits such as the Madison Needs Network, so many would struggle even more. Make sure you visit their website at madisonneedsnetwork.org to see how you can contribute help local families and, of course, purchase your Dressed Up for Donuts tickets.