It is not easy sending out this week's bulletin, with all that is going on in our world today, especially the uncertainty surrounding Hurricane Irma.  Let us keep our thoughts and hopes with the people of Florida and those still recovering from Hurricane Harvey in Texas.  Have a safe weekend and hope to see you Monday.

 

 

The list of new entrants for the Rapids Sampler '17 continues to grow, as Omni Brewing of Maple Grove and Number 12 Cider House in Buffalo, announced this week their plans to participate in the event.  In addition, Coon Rapids-based Alloy Brewing, 10K Brewing (Anoka) and Lupulin Brewing (Big Lake) have already committed.  Event planners are also in discussions with a distiller to attend and talks are in progress to have wine samples for those who like to pair a nice sauvignon blanc with a nutty fromage.  More details are expected next week. 

 

And let's not forget the food too.  The staff of Kendall's Tavern and Chop House have already revealed that they have new menu offerings, which will be unveiled as part of the Rapids Sampler '17.  If you liked the food last year, get ready for some even better choices this year.  But, you'll have to show up to find out.

 

One of the ways to make this event a continued success is to patronize our vendors - these same small businesses are cross-marketing our event and by extension the good work of Coon Rapids Rotary.  We thank them for the involvement.  Check them out:

 

 

 

 

 

As of Wednesday (9/6), the number of craft beer, wine and spirit donations stood as follows:

 

Craft Beer: 9 units (Goal: 75)

Wine: 11 units (Goal: 75)

Spirits: 1 (Goal: 25)

 

Suggested contributions: Craft beer ($8 range); Wine ($15 range); Spirits ($25 range)

 

If you've contributed something already, thank you!  If you haven't - there's still time.  Next Monday would be a great time to bring something in.

 

The task is never easy, but with technology and good old fashioned hard work - we can spread the word about the Rapids Sampler '17.  If you're on Facebook, make sure to hit the "Like" button on our site and share it with your network of friends, family and total strangers.  It's fast, it's easy and it's powerful.  Second, feel free to share the link for tickets (see below).  The more we can do to spread the word and drive on-line sales (no service charges), the easier it is for all of us.  Can you imagine a future time, where you're not asked to sell tickets?  I can and I can't wait for that day!  Lastly, don't forget about our neighboring Rotary clubs, other service organizations, civic groups and your wide swath of social connections.  Feel free to share your updates at our weekly lunches so that we're all on the same page.  The cause is Rotary - the benefit is for the community and beyond.

 

 

 

 

So far, sponsors have pledged $8,000 toward the Rapids Sampler '17.  We're on pace to beat last year, but more help is needed.  Special thanks to the following companies, institutions and individuals for their support this year:

 

- Border State Bank (Erik H.)

- Riley, Enstad & Ovik (Greg O.)

- Hi-Ten Service (Scott S.)

- Northeast Bank (Larry C. and Dan T.)

- IEA Institute (Jeff A.)

- Hamel Development (Alan H.)

- Doris and Mel Schulte

- The Rask Family (Margie)

- Barna, Guzy & Steffen

- Anoka Ramsey Community College

- Anoka Technical College

- Raymond James (Nick B.)

- Financial One (Bob H.)