A community fundraiser at Goodkind brought together food lovers and hospitality supporters on March 12, using a Prize Wheel to raise funds for struggling restaurants in the Twin Cities.
The Milwaukee restaurant hosted a meat and cheese raffle from 5 to 9 PM, with proceeds benefiting The Salt Cure Fund. The organization provides grants to food and beverage businesses facing financial hardship in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Throughout the evening, guests purchased raffle tickets for a chance to spin the Prize Wheel and win a variety of food-focused prizes. The event combined community spirit, great food, and a shared commitment to helping restaurants during difficult times.
A Community Effort Led by Goodkind
The fundraiser was organized by Goodkind co-owner Katie Rose, who has a personal connection to Minneapolis and its restaurant community.
Rose explained that the Twin Cities have long been an important part of her life. Her partner was raised there, and the couple regularly visits friends and family in the area.
However, she noted that recent months have been especially difficult for restaurants and bars in Minneapolis and St. Paul. According to Rose, many establishments that once served as vibrant community hubs are now struggling or closing.
Because of this, the idea behind the fundraiser was simple. Bring people together through food and community while raising money for businesses that need support.
Local Food Producers Donate Raffle Prizes
To make the event possible, numerous Wisconsin food producers, chefs, and restaurants donated items that were featured on the Prize Wheel.
Participants could win high-quality meats, cheeses, and other specialty foods from a wide range of contributors. Among those supporting the fundraiser were Hometown Sausage Kitchen, Underground Meats, Kettle Range Meat Co., Landmark Creamery, Fortune Gourmet, and Uplands Cheese.
Additional prizes were donated by Sweet Smoke BBQ, Blakesville Creamery, Groppi’s Market, Elena Terry, Hill Valley Dairy, Vanguard, and Odd Duck.
The large variety of prizes made the Prize Wheel raffle especially appealing to guests. With each $5 ticket, participants had the opportunity to spin and win something unique while supporting a meaningful cause.
Why a Prize Wheel Works for Fundraising Events
Fundraisers often succeed when they combine entertainment with participation. A Prize Wheel naturally creates excitement because guests gather around to watch the spin and see what prize appears next.
The format is simple and engaging. Guests purchase raffle tickets and then spin the wheel for a chance to win. As a result, the activity keeps energy high while encouraging people to buy additional tickets.
Because of this, Prize Wheel raffles have become increasingly popular at charity events, restaurant fundraisers, festivals, and community gatherings. The spinning motion attracts attention, while the anticipation of a prize keeps participants involved.
For the Goodkind fundraiser, the Prize Wheel transformed the traditional raffle into a lively centerpiece for the evening.
Customizing a Prize Wheel for Charity and Restaurant Events
One of the most valuable features of a Prize Wheel is its ability to be fully customized for any event. Whether used at restaurant fundraisers, food festivals, trade shows, or charity events, the wheel can be tailored to match the theme and goals of the gathering.
Each wheel includes customizable slots that allow organizers to display specific prizes, sponsor names, or promotional messages. In a raffle setting, each slot can represent a different donated item or prize tier.
This flexibility makes the Prize Wheel an ideal tool for hospitality events. Restaurants can highlight local producers, promote featured menu items, or showcase sponsors while maintaining an interactive experience for guests.
Four Prize Wheel Sizes for Any Event Space
Another advantage of the Prize Wheel is the availability of four different sizes. Each size allows organizers to choose the right model for their venue and audience.
The Small 14-inch and Medium 21-inch Prize Wheels work well on tables or smaller display areas. These compact options are easy to transport and perfect for intimate fundraisers or restaurant events.
Meanwhile, the Large 31-inch and Extra Large 40-inch Prize Wheels create a more dramatic visual presence. These larger models are ideal for busy fundraising events, festivals, and trade shows where attracting attention is essential.
Because of these options, event organizers can easily select the wheel that fits their space and audience size.
Supporting Restaurants Through Community
For Rose, the event represented more than just a fundraiser. It reflected the deeper role restaurants and bars play within their communities.
Dining out often means more than just enjoying a meal. Restaurants serve as gathering places where people connect with friends, celebrate milestones, and create shared memories.
By hosting the meat and cheese raffle, Goodkind brought that spirit of community together in support of fellow hospitality businesses. With the help of the Prize Wheel and generous donations from local producers, the event turned a simple gathering into meaningful support for restaurants working to stay open in challenging times.