GCC Foundation hosts Taste of Gogebic

IRONWOOD - A dozen area restaurants offered their finest fare to nearly 200 people at the Gogebic Community College's sixth annual Taste of the Gogebic Range fundraiser at the Lindquist Center Monday evening.

The event annually raises money for the foundation's scholarship and other activities which support the college's mission, said foundation director Kelly Marczak.

"The foundation really does an excellent job of supporting all of our operations, supporting our students," said GCC president Jim Lorenson. "Besides scholarships, they provide funds for professional development, for equipment purchases, for a variety of different activities, supporting our facility. They do just great work."

Lorenson thanked the vendors and those who bought tickets to partake in the event. "Everybody in this room is helping the foundation do their great work. They say it takes a community. This is an example of that."

Each of the 12 restaurants offered small helpings - a taste – of one or more of their specialties. A ticket to the event came with 12 vouchers, one good at each vendor's table around a crowded room of diners.

Lorenson said the vendors volunteer their time and their product. "The vendors are just fantastic. They give the community a great chance to sample their specialty and their participating in providing funds for the scholarships. I can't thank them enough. They really make the event."

Marczak said there were a few new restaurants involved this year. "We like to keep it interesting and switch it up and give the local businesses exposure," she said. "We like when we get new restaurants on board."

Besides the vendors, Marczak also thanked the many students, college staff and foundation board members who were helped with the event.

Awards

Organizers planned for Tasters Choice and Best of Show awards.

There was a tie in the Tasters Choice competition, where everyone who bought a ticket got to vote their their favorite restaurant. Winners were The Elk & Hound, and the Caribou Lodge & Gun Barrel Lodge at Big Powderhorn.

Two Best of Show awards were determined by a panel of three anonymous judges. The top Best of Show award went to the Olde Suffolk Ale House, while the Outstanding in Show award was given to Burgers Bar & Grill.