Buffet in a Box was a big hit at the Fisherman’s Picnic

KUDOS to the members of WISE (Women’s Initiative for Service and Education) for their impressive delivery of 400 take-out Buffet in a Box meals to kick off this year’s Fisherman’s Picnic. The meals were delicious, prepared by teams of both men and women in the Cook County High School Culinary Arts Center.

Thanks to the school district for providing this incredible facility to prepare COVID-safe meals for our community.

Nearly every member of WISE (assisted by a bevy of additional volunteers) participated in this monumental task: measuring, baking, frying, packaging and compiling

1600 fish cakes, 800 meatballs, 400 ham portions, and 800 dessert bars. They also prepared and/or packaged 400 portions of each of the following: 7 gallons of gravy, 100 pounds of potato salad, 100 pounds of Cole slaw, 7 gallons of tartar sauce, and 7 gallons of lingonberries.

A special thanks goes to IGA for donating 400 dinner rolls and to Sysco and Upper Lakes Foods for additional donations.

This event was organized by three incredible women: Judi Barsness ordered and organized all the food orders and supervised the kitchen, Ginny Padzieski not only led the potato salad team, but also organized all the teams of workers, and served as cheerleader and keeper of the royal key fob. Michelle Korst managed all the publicity and online ordering, crucial to this event’s success.

The WISE Board of Directors heartily thanks EVERYONE for their participation in this ground-breaking event. The Fisherman’s Picnic Buffet and the upcoming online auction provide funds for WISE to offer education grants, local scholarships, and donations to a variety of local non-profits.

Ann Mershon,
Grand Marais