Taters Inc. Spirit of Giving 2022
Perhaps it would have been fitting had there been a gas leak, water main break or some other random act of God causing yet a third postponement of the Taters Spirit of Giving event. In fact, one more month would have marked the one anniversary of its incorporation – March 10, 2021. After covid shut down Pine Valley in January and a snowstorm shut down the roads on Groundhog Day many a Tater would be forgiven if they had simply given up altogether. But that’s simply not the Tater way. Not the Tater Spirit, if you will.
The Spirit of Giving event was to be the culmination of Taters, Inc.’s efforts to give back during the winter season - when the spirit of giving is at its peak. In December, the Tater Board reimagined the Advent Calendar as one that could provide a backdrop for sharing bourbon samples with Taters who supported a charity in need: the Community Harvest Food Bank. And in true Tater spirit, the community stepped up. As it turned out, that was just the beginning.
Almost a year into existence, what Taters had been missing was a great, big gathering of tater festivities: auction, games, tastings, blind tastings, food, prizes and surprises!
As history has shown, when Taters gather their generosity shines through!
While Taterfest may have aptly described the event, it is the Spirit of Giving that was – and is – the true motivation. To attempt to describe the night would not do it justice. The pictures speak for themselves (thank you Matt Hakey!!!). But so do the numbers.
When it was all said and done, the Taters’ Advent Calendar and the Spirit of Giving raised over $21K for local charities. $5K will go to the Community Harvest Food Bank. A special twist to the event - Choose Your Own Charity - allowed bidders to select their charities of choice for their winning donations. We continue to hear from Taters regarding their selections: Vincent Village, S.A.V.E., Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics of IN and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to start.
Bourbon is more popular now than it has ever been. With increased popularity comes frustration of missing out on bottles – both releases and the classics. That is why it is more important than ever to continue to bring together the bourbon community to harness that enthusiasm and support a higher cause.
Historically, Taters have been the butt of jokes among many whiskey snobs. But as this community continues to prove, their generosity is no joking matter.
