Grape & Sizzle Fundraiser Returns June 6 in North Platte, Supporting Local Nonprofits

By Sandhills Post/North Platte Post Staff

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — One of Lincoln County’s most anticipated annual fundraisers is back. The Grape & Sizzle event, organized by the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association, will take place Friday, June 6, at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte. The evening combines gourmet food, wine tasting, and lively auctions to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Tracy Olson, president of Grape & Sizzle, and board secretary Amanda White joined the Sandhills Post this week to share details about the event, which has supported Lincoln County for over two decades.

“Our slogan is ‘Beef for a Cause,’ and our mission is to promote the beef industry while giving back to local nonprofits,” Olson said.

This year, three nonprofit recipients were selected through a competitive process:

1. The Connection, a shelter in North Platte that supports homeless individuals and families on their path to permanent housing.
2. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which aids children in the juvenile court system, particularly those in foster care. Funds will help expand their Kids' Closet, which provides essential items for youth.
3. Lincoln County 4-H Council, which serves children ages 5 to 18. This year’s funds will go toward agricultural literacy displays on corn, beef, pollinators, and pork.

“We’re thrilled to support organizations doing such meaningful work in our community,” White said.

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Food, Wine, and Fun

Guests can expect a gourmet lineup featuring steak and feta salad, sweet and spicy meatballs in puff pastry, Parmesan-rimmed sliders, a cheese and olive station, a dessert bar, and an extensive wine selection.

“Our food and wine offerings are always a hit — people look forward to indulging and enjoying the atmosphere,” White added.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include food and wine tasting. They are nearly sold out, with only about 30 remaining. Tickets can be purchased at www.grapeandsizzle.com or through the Grape & Sizzle Facebook page.

Auctions and Prizes

The evening features both silent and live auctions. Highlights include:

1. A Yeti cooler with grilling tools, courtesy of Lincoln County 4-H.
2. Dinner for two with wine from the Cedar Room.
3. A private shopping party at Bow & Arrow Boutique.
4. A custom metal Husker sign from Troy Enterprises.
5. Pizza of the Month from Papa Murphy’s.
6. A wine room dinner for four at North 40.
7. A golf outing and lunch at Sandhills Golf Club, hosted by Vince Dugan.
8. A duck hunt for eight, donated by Leland and Kathy Poppe.
9. Husker football tickets for the Iowa game, including club seats and Champion Club passes.
10. A year of flowers from Party Girl Creations and Flower Market.

“It’s such a fun night, and the auctions get exciting — especially when people really want something,” Olson said.

Honoring the Founders

This year’s event will also honor Tom and Linda Hansen, who started Grape & Sizzle more than 20 years ago. Tom, a former state senator and past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, launched the fundraiser as part of his mid-year convention. Linda Hansen chaired the event for over a decade.

“We are so grateful to Tom and Linda for their vision and commitment to this event,” Olson said.

With 18 platinum sponsors — the most ever — this year’s Grape & Sizzle is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with festivities running through 8:30 p.m. For more information or to get involved, visit grapeandsizzle.com.