Madison, WI Event Aims to Pass the $1 Million Mark in Funds Raised for Local Charities

    MADISON, WI, May 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Madisonians can all agree they are anxiously waiting for the first smells of summer and the moment they can fire up the grill. The good news is, they don't have to wait long! This year's biggest summer grilling kickoff will be at The World's Largest Brat Fest, now in its 29th year of record-breaking grilling!

The 2011 World's Largest Brat Fest, sponsored by Johnsonville Sausage and produced by Metcalfe's Market, will be held rain or shine Memorial Day Weekend, May 27 through the 30 in Madison, WI.

"This is the time of year we absolutely love; it's the time when our community comes together, raises funds for local charities and enjoys great food," said Tim Metcalfe, Bratman and president of Metcalfe's Market.

THE CHARITIES
Brat Fest is completely volunteer-run and benefits more than 100 local organizations. Throughout the four-day event, volunteers from the benefiting organizations work as cashiers, grillers or cleaning staff. This year, volunteers will earn an hourly wage of $9-10, a $1 increase from 2010, which will be donated to their organization. During the 2011 event, more than 5,000 volunteer shifts will donate more than 16,450 hours of their time and raise more than $150,000 for local organizations.

"We are so fortunate to be one of many nonprofits that benefit from the annual Brat Fest event," said Michael Johnson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. "The support we have received from Brat Fest over the years has paid the membership cost for more than 1,000 young people attending our Clubs. This level of support helps us keep our doors open six days a week, 50 weeks out of the year for the children and families who need us the most."

Since its inception, the volunteers who have taken part in this event have collectively helped raise nearly $1,000,000 for local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Special Olympics Wisconsin, Hospice Care, local schools and more. This year, Brat Fest organizers say they're aiming to surpass that $1 million mark!

"West Madison Special Olympics uses the funds earned to help support the 135 adult disabled athletes that participate in a multitude of sports, including softball, track, swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, soccer, golfing, speed skating and snowshoeing. The funds earned from Brat Fest are used for transportation for regional and state tournaments, required uniforms, state fees for participants, equipment needs and the use of practice fields for the different sports," said Anita Allison, volunteer coordinator of the West Madison Special Olympics.

BRAT FEST 2011
The 2011 event will have more than just record-breaking brat consumption and community fundraising. This year, there will also be:

- Budweiser Clydesdale horses
- Fireworks at 9:05 p.m., Sunday, May 29
- A new menu item: hot buttered corn on the cob
- An expanded carnival
- Free music
- Free parking
- Free admission

BRAT FEST ENDOWMENT FUND
A portion of the funds remaining after paying volunteer organizations will go into the Brat Fest Endowment Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization set up by Tim and Kevin Metcalfe in 2009 to honor their late father Tom Metcalfe, the original founder of the World's Largest Brat Fest. This fund is held at the Madison Community Foundation, and each year, groups can apply for grants from the organization to help fund projects throughout Dane County.

"We enjoy continuing the Brat Fest tradition that our father started over 28 years ago," said Tim Metcalfe. "Giving back to the Madison community is very rewarding and knowing that the money raised during the four-day weekend gets donated to the organizations who volunteered is a good feeling."

TAKE YOUR BRAT TO WORK DAY
Everyone in the Madison area will once again have the chance to kick off their Memorial Day weekend early, with "Take Your Brat to Work Day." This annual tradition is a brat "drive-thru," which will take place from 6 to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 27, at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. This will be the only opportunity this year for Madison residents to drive their cars onto Willow Island.

The World's Largest Brat Fest 2011
Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center
May 27-30, 2011
10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday
Rain or Shine

About Brat Fest
The World's Largest Brat Fest started more than 28 years ago, when Tom Metcalfe started grilling brats in the parking lot of Metcalfe's Market to thank his customers. His sons, Tim and Kevin Metcalfe, have grown Brat Fest into what Madisonians and others from around the country know today as "The World's Largest Brat Fest." The event still serves as a thank you to customers, but now it also serves as a way to raise money for local organizations. For additional information on the World's Largest Brat Fest, visit www.bratfest.com.

About Metcalfe's Market
Metcalfe's Market is a locally owned and operated market with locations at Hilldale Mall in Madison and in the heart of downtown Wauwatosa. In its 92 year history, Metcalfe's Market has led the way in environmental practices. From creating a food miles program, to going to 100% green power, to active participation in Dane Buy Local and REAP, Metcalfe's Market is committed to a more sustainable Dane County. The family-run business is also well-known for founding The World's Largest Brat Fest and the Brat Fest Endowment Fund. For additional information on Metcalfe's Market, visit www.shopmetcalfes.com.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. www.johnsonville.com.

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