For the fifth consecutive year, supporters of UW-Marshfield/Wood County will be able to eat and drink their way through the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building at The University Foundation’s Annual Food for Thought on Saturday, April 8.

Proceeds from the event raised at Food for Thought are used for activities such as scholarships, professional development of faculty/staff and to offset administrative costs.  In the previous four years, this event has netted more than $64,000. 

Appetizers, entrees, desserts - ethnic and gourmet foods to tempt every appetite will be served at food stations from 7-10 p.m. by area amateur chefs. Musical entertainment, a silent auction, raffle and refreshments round out the evening. Tickets can be reserved for $30, which includes a tax-deductible donation, by calling the University Foundation Office at 384-1703 or e-mail lpabich@uwc.edu. Tickets sold at the door are $35. 

“Food for Thought has become one of the highlights of the year in the Marshfield area,” said Ruth Elderbrook, chair of the event and campus librarian. “It is a great time for everyone, and is a highly successful fund-raising event for us. ” 

Five university staff couples are teaming up to bake five different varieties of “Crimes of the Heart Pecan Pies.”  The pies will promote the Campus Community Players production of “Crimes of the Heart” on April 21, 22, 28 and 29. Director Steve Decker and his wife, Candace, are making Crimes of the Heart Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. 

“It’s so rich it’s a ‘crime’,” Steve Decker said.  This is his first year as a Food for Thought Chef.  “I went on the Internet and searched for ‘chocolate, bourbon and pecans.’ It just doesn’t get any better.” 

Dr. David De Lyser and his wife, Sharon, are making Bourbon Pecan Pie, a recipe similar to the Deckers’, but without the chocolate. 

“It’s not quite as sweet as the chocolate version,” De Lyser said.  “You taste more bourbon – which really compliments the flavor of the pecans.” 

Other chefs include: Julie Tharp, Jack Farris, Andrea De Palma, Jim Alexander, Sandy Arvan, Suvra and Tarit Banerjee, Clarence and Pat Topp, Steve and Kathy Bittorf, Dennis Geurtsen, Cheri Schweiso, Karen and Bill Hocking, Owen and Tom Steensen, Jeff Kleiman, Kim Hartley, Michelle and Keith Boernke, Jeannie and John Pitsch, Melissa and Casey Lake, Elizabeth McPherson-Christianson, Owen Christianson, Mary Anne Milbauer, Michael and Mary Jean Seelen, Marian Mulligan, Jose Rodriguez, Alpha and Milind Shah, Julie Swan, Chris Wiskerchen, John and Pam Leick, Karl and Cathy Zimmermann , Janet Crossley, Janet Grant, Tara Preston, Daniela Kurzynski , Barb and Jim Beining, Terri and Steve Harteau, students from Phi Theta Kappa and UW-Marshfield/Wood County alumni. 

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Paul Zopel Ensemble, sponsored by Casa Loma; Jim Radloff, John Milbauer and Steve Standiford on piano, Josh Gerstner on guitar, the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Jazz Ensemble under the direction of De Lyser, and the Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Kathy Pearson.  

Food for Thought will also feature a silent auction with more than 50 items including Badger tickets to the Northwestern game and a night’s lodging in the Madison Holiday Inn & Suites, two $100-gift certificates to Blues Hair Studio, a diamond pendant from Paul Gross Jewelers, a case of 1978 vintage port from Kelly’s Liquor, four tickets to Campus Community Players production of “Crimes of the Heart,” a carrot cake from Kitchen Table, and gift certificates to Royal Tokyo.   

First prize for this year’s raffle will be dinner for two at Native Bay Restaurant & Lounge, Chippewa Falls, and a night in McGilvray's Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Chippewa Falls, donated by Dean Andy and Kris Keogh.