Over 250 supporters gathered at The River’s new facility on Sunday, September 13 to enjoy internationally-inspired bites and sips from a diverse array of local chefs and vendors and celebrate the cultures that make Madison so special

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our chefs, sponsors, partners, donors, volunteers, event committee members, and everyone who joined us. Your generosity and support made this fourth annual fundraiser our most successful yet, raising over $135,000 to help provide food and supplies for thousands of Dane County households facing food insecurity!

Sips & Slices
A Global Tasting for The River Food Pantry

Sunday, September 13, 2026 • 1–4 pm
The River Food Pantry
(3301 Packers Ave, Madison, WI 53704)

Sips & Slices is going global! Grab a drink and embark on a culinary tour of the world as you sample internationally-inspired bites from a diverse array of local chefs. The afternoon also includes live music, a silent auction, paddle raise, wine pull, and raffles. One hour before the event opens, there will be a VIP Pre-Event featuring drink samples from around the world paired with curated bites.

Don’t miss this flavorful, passport-worthy experience at The River’s new home on Packers Ave!

All proceeds benefit The River, Dane County’s busiest food pantry.

Tickets:

Standard Admission $125

Doors open at 1:00 pm
Includes tastings and 2 drinks
Access to silent auction, an exciting paddle raise and wine pull, and a meaningful mission moment highlighting The River’s impact in our community

VIP Admission $150

Begins at 12:00 pm
General Admission ticket included
Exclusive access to a curated tasting experience featuring select alcohol samples and thoughtfully paired bites
Limited capacity

Participating Chefs and Restaurants

Son Inthachith
Sern Sapp
Lao Cuisine

Sam Williams
The Coopers Tavern
Irish Cuisine

Michelle Perez and Eliud “Ell” Perez
Las Islas Filipinas
Filipino Cuisine

Francesco Mangano
Osteria Papavero
Italian Cuisine

Tony Chen
Haven
Chinese Cuisine

Sei and Melissa Kidau
Rasta Barrista
Jamaican Cuisine

Shraddha Tilloo
The Chowpati
Indian Cuisine

Tony Saldana
Bassett Street Brunch Club
American Cuisine

Rolando Salas & Ana Paola Suarez
Onoto Gastronomía Venezolana
Venezuelan Cuisine

Silent Auction Now Open For Online Bidding

We have dozens of amazing items available, and even more are being added to the site soon. Anyone can participate, and you do not need a ticket to the event to bid. Please feel free to share the auction link with your friends and family: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026sipsslicesevent/items/

When sharing with friends or family who are not attending the event, please instruct them to:

Click the link above.
Register for the event and select the free “Virtual Bidder Only” option under ticket options.
Registration is free and provides full access to the silent auction. (You will need to put a card on file to bid, but you will not be charged unless you win an item.)

Thank you for supporting The River Food Pantry, and happy bidding!