Care-a-lotta, the Bartolotta Restaurant Group’s charitable arm, chooses a nonprofit partner each year to help at certain charitable events. The group donates gift certificates for silent auctions, participates in charity walks and offers discounted rates for nonprofits that host events at Bartolotta restaurants.
But next year, the group is trying something different. Something it hopes will play more to its strength: hospitality.
In 2017, Care-a-lotta will host an all-expenses-paid gala at the Grain Exchange in downtown Milwaukee to raise money and awareness for a selected nonprofit with deep local ties.
“This is completely new for us,” said Bartolotta spokesperson Kelly Mallegni. “We thought it was a perfect fit because we have the space and we have the staff . We could offer our own expertise and services. It can really play into our strengths.”
Care-a-lotta will be accepting applications from nonprofits who wish to participate in the event through Feb. 29. Only one will be chosen.
“The 2017 Gal-a-lotta will bring together the community in a highly collaborative effort with a night focused on fundraising and awareness,” said Care-a-lotta director Jennifer Bartolotta in a statement.
A specific date for the gala has not been set and event details have not been finalized, Mallegni said. But she expects the gala will happen in early 2017.
Interested organizations can submit an application on the group’s website.
“If you look at the past organizations we’ve partnered with, they have had a tie to the Milwaukee market, something local,” Mallegni said. “A lot of it has to do with making sure it’s the right fit.”
