Spring 2026 Fundraising Gala
As Madison transitions into spring, Slow Food UW and Les Dames Greater Madison Chapter are thrilled to invite you to our Garden Gathering Fundraiser—an afternoon rooted in community, conversation, and a shared commitment to local food justice.
This spring gala brings together students, community members, farmers, chefs, and food leaders to celebrate Madison’s vibrant local food system while investing in its future.
Want to get involved? You can support the Garden Gathering by purchasing a ticket, donating an auction item, making a general donation, or contributing food and drinks for the event
Note on Donations via Zeffy
When purchasing a ticket or making a donation through Zeffy, you may notice an additional contribution suggested at checkout. This amount goes directly to Zeffy to help cover their platform costs—it does not go to Slow Food.
Please know that this extra contribution is completely optional. You are welcome to adjust it to any amount, including zero, before completing your donation.
Silent Auction
The Garden Gathering Silent Auction is a celebration of community generosity and the vibrant local food system that sustains us. Every item in this auction has been donated by local businesses, makers, farmers, and neighbors who believe in Slow Food UW’s mission to share good, clean, and fair food for all.
Proceeds from the auction support the launch of our new Outreach Branch, expanding our capacity to host community events, strengthen partnerships, and deepen food justice education across Madison.
Browse the baskets, place your bids, and help us grow a more connected, community‑powered food system. Auction closes April 18 at 5:00 PM CDT.
About the Event
Garden Gathering is a collaborative fundraising gala featuring thoughtfully curated small bites by Slow Food UW, seasonal drinks, guest speakers from the local food community, and a silent auction highlighting local goods.
Food justice begins locally, but its impact reaches far beyond our plates. By supporting the Garden Gathering Fundraiser, you’re helping build sustainable infrastructure for education, advocacy, and community engagement that connects Madison’s food system to a global movement.
This is more than a fundraiser.
It’s an investment in people, partnerships, and the future of local food.
What We’re Fundraising For
Proceeds from the Garden Gathering will help launch a new Outreach Branch within Slow Food UW, dedicated to expanding our impact beyond campus.
This branch will:
- Plan and execute key programming: one large-scale community event, educational event, and service event per semester
- Build and maintain campus and community partnerships while leading outreach at major events (e.g., Sustain-a-Bash, Earth Fest)
- Strengthen internal engagement through cross-branch collaboration, member communication, and team-building opportunities
- Support sourcing efforts by maintaining farmer/vendor relationships and connecting programming to seasonal, local food systems
This investment ensures Slow Food UW can deepen relationships, elevate education, and create consistent opportunities for community connection around food justice and sustainability.