'The Taste' 2025 Breaks Records, Raises Over $226,000 for Rockford Schools
ROCKFORD, Mich., March 7, 2025 – The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) is celebrating a record-breaking night at The Taste 2025! Nearly 400 guests filled The Gilmore on March 6, enjoying incredible food, lively music, and an auction that had paddles flying. By the end of the night, over $226,000 had been raised to support education in Rockford!
An Unforgettable Night of Food & Fun
This year’s event featured 18 amazing restaurant partners—The Taste's biggest lineup ever—serving up delicious bites from Rockford’s favorite spots. Attendees enjoyed flavors from Archival Brewing, Bier Distillery & Brewery, Blue Water Grill, Boochie Kombucha & Wellness Bar, Bostwick Lake Inn, Cannonsburg Village, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, The Corner Bar, Flo’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, F’N K Tacos, Gilmore Catering, Herman’s Boy, Pump House, The Score, Sugar Bar, Third Nature Brewing Co., The Toasted Pickle, and Uccello’s. With a spread like that, no one left hungry!
Auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux brought the excitement, leading a high-energy live auction and fund-a-need paddle raise that helped inspire incredible generosity. Adding to the energy, DJ Whitney Who kept the party vibe going with the perfect soundtrack for a fun and lively night.
Community Generosity at Its Best
A huge thank you to REF's 54 sponsors—a testament to how much the Rockford community cares! Special recognition goes to our Cream of the Crop sponsors:
- GMB Architecture & Engineering
- Owen Ames Kimball
- Bob & Lee Ann Brunetz
- David & Kim Lund
- Friends of REF
Your generosity fuels educational opportunities for every student in the Rockford community.
Why It Matters
Beyond the fun, The Taste is about making a difference. Funds raised at this event will support mental health and school safety initiatives, including mental health liaisons, social-emotional learning, and School Resource Officers—programs that ensure Rockford students are safe, supported, and ready to learn.
“The generosity of our community is what makes this possible,” said Beth Meyer-Kraff, REF Executive Director. “By coming together at The Taste, we’re creating real opportunities for students and supporting the educators who inspire them.”
Want to Keep the Support Going?
Missed the event but still want to help? REF’s Rockford Eats gift card fundraiser is coming up in April—a perfect way to support Rockford schools while enjoying your favorite local restaurants!
For more information about REF and ways to give, visit www.rockfordEDfoundation.org.
Contact:
Beth Meyer-Kraff
Executive Director, Rockford Education Foundation
616-863-6317 | ref@rockfordschools.org
