If you come to this event once, you will always come again. Please join us to help raise funds for The Family Centers of Dane County at The Big Eat on Monday, February 23 at Monona Terrace.

Isthmus has produced the Big Eat for 14 years. The concept is simple. Food and drink purveyors provide appetizing morsels and tastes of beverages to whet the appetite and whistle while the community leaders and community members show their support for the Family Centers by coming every year to eat, drink and mingle. Featuring delicious Madison-area restaurants and music courtesy of Harmonious Wail, you don’t want to miss it.

This year’s restaurants include Carr Valley Cheese, Captain Bill’s, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, Pedro’s Mexican Restaurante, Tutto Pasta — State Street, Capital Brewery, Liliana’s Restaurant, Wollersheim Winery, Africana Restaurant and Lounge, La Mestiza Mexican Cuisine, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Pepsi, Whole Foods Market, Marigold Kitchen, TerraSource Gourmet Chocolates LLC, Monona Terrace, Sardine, Willy Street Co-op, Mermaid Café, Artamos Meats & Deli, David Bacco Chocolats, Taj Indian Restaurant, Sweet Sophies Catering and Restaurant, Grace Cheesecakes, Athens Gyros/Trader Gus and Yahara Bay Distillery!

New this year is The Little Eat, a children’s cooking demonstration starting at 5 pm, presented by Bean Sprouts and sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital. The Big Eat doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the noshing and tunes to run until 8:30 p.m.

Your contribution truly makes a difference, as the need among families in Dane County has never been greater. It’s easy to buy. Tickets are $50 each or a table of 10 can be reserved for $500. They must be purchased in advance and are available at Isthmus (101 King Street) and at the Family Centers (2120 Fordem Avenue) as well as online.

“The Big Eat is an event that sustains us physically, financially and emotionally. We appreciate every plate of good food, every dollar spent on tickets and every ounce of good will that this event brings to the children and parents who use our services.” — Meg Miller, Executive Director, Respite Center, Family Centers

The Big Eat is hosted by The Family Centers and Isthmus, and sponsored by Madison’s The CW, Magic 98, Econoprint and Budget Signs. The Family Centers is the home of four community non-profit agencies. Family Enhancement, The Exchange for Prevention of Child Abuse, The Canopy Center and The Respite Center prevent and treat child abuse and neglect, care for families under stress as well as promote family life by providing information and a supportive environment for parents.