Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Excitement is building for the 11th Annual 50 Fellas Foodfest, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Granbury Reunion Grounds’ Courts Cleveland Showbarn.
This highly anticipated event is not just a cooking competition but an indispensable fundraiser supporting the Granbury ISD Education Foundation.
The Education Foundation has about 23 board members and 100% of the funds raised by 50 Fellas Foodfest goes back to the schools. “We have no overhead; we just put it all back in GISD,” said foundation president, Stacy Mitchell.
FOOD, RAFFLE PRIZES, AND AN AUCTION
The Foodfest features 50 teams of two men each, who will prepare delicious one-bite samples of appetizers, entrées, or desserts. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with mouth-watering dishes, complimentary water, and tea, along with the opportunity to vote for their favorites.
An admission ticket includes adult beverages, with Revolver Brewing providing the beer and wine available as well — this is why the event is for adults aged 21 and over.
Guests can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win exciting prizes, such as lake-related items including fishing rods.
There will be a live auction tailored specifically for men, capturing the spirit of the 50 Fellas. One highlight is a unique hunting experience. Scott and Stacy Mitchell, owners of a ranch near Wichita Falls, are offering a special lot at auction for the winning bidder and a friend—a weekend of skeet shooting and hunting for hogs & turkeys.
“Every year, attendees rave about how the event improves,” acknowledged Mitchell. This year the organization has attracted 90 sponsors.
A standout feature of the event is a live auction item offering parents a special opportunity: A graduation spot next to the stage. This prize allows parents to be the first to hug their child as they walk off the stage. Although the number of these spots is limited by Granbury Independent School District, the chance to share this moment and watch the fireworks afterward makes it a highly sought-after item. The opportunity to be the first to celebrate their child’s achievement in such a personal way is a major draw for the auction.
This year, some sponsor donations include rounds of golf at DeCordova Bend Estates and Harbor Lakes, with funds raised going toward teacher grants for classroom needs. “Teachers apply, and we review and award as many as we can,” noted Mitchell.
SOCIAL FOOD EVENT WITH A SIDE OF COMPETITION
The event has already sold out this year, with all 700 tickets purchased weeks in advance. No tickets are sold at the door.
Mitchell shared her enthusiasm for the event. “Thanks to the incredible support of our Granbury community, this Foodfest has grown into one of the largest social events of the year,” she stated. “It’s casual and fun — people wear everything from shorts to boots — they want to come in and eat and socialize for a great cause.
“We have representatives from every campus, along with several businesses like Justice Plumbing, Pinnacle Bank, and First National Bank,” Mitchell explained.
Participating teams include district administrators, men from various school campuses, local business representatives, and community leaders, each eager to showcase their culinary skills.
“These cooks, they all want to win, and it’s hilarious,” Mitchell said, “but they do make good food. Deep-fried prime rib, crab cakes, last year somebody did steak and lobster… they go all out on this because they really want to win,” she added. “Some of our teams have even dressed up to match their dishes, making it a fun and competitive atmosphere.”
The event is not just about good food; it serves a crucial purpose. Proceeds from the Foodfest go directly to funding innovative teaching grants, scholarships, and other educational resources within GISD. Over the past decade, the event has raised an impressive one million dollars to support local education initiatives.
90 SPONSORS THIS YEAR
“Holly Martin and Michelle Lucero on the board — they coordinate everything! This is our only fundraiser,” Mitchell explained. “Granbury is a small community, so we aim to make this event as impactful as possible. Every dollar we raise goes back to the schools, and we have about a 95% donor retention rate.”
Last year’s Foodfest raised $177,000, and Mitchell anticipates surpassing that total this year due to increased sponsorships.
Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with food and a vibrant atmosphere enriched by music and entertainment while they enjoy the food samples. Pinnacle Bank is providing a playlist of music that will accompany the festivities.
With the event taking place in a spacious covered area, Mitchell and her team are optimistic about a great turnout despite the weather. They hope for pleasant temperatures that compel community ticketholders to come out and enjoy the festivities.
The 50 Fellas fundraiser concept has spread beyond Granbury. Georgetown ISD, after hearing of its success from a former Granbury administrator, requested information and successfully implemented the event as well.
“This event brings everyone together—it’s not just about food; it’s about community,” Mitchell said. “We’re proud to see people from outside the county wanting to join in, thanks to the buzz this event generates.”
For those who missed out on tickets, there are still opportunities to support the Foundation through sponsorships or donations. Interested parties can email gef50fellasfoodfest@gmail.com or visit the website at www.granburyisd.org/50fellas for more information.
As the countdown to the 11th Annual 50 Fellas Foodfest continues, Granbury is poised to celebrate a night of culinary excellence while raising critical funds for local education. It promises to be a delicious and memorable evening for all involved.
