Rooted in Gratitude

Annual Fundraising Dinner

Evening to Celebrate Wisconsin Agriculture

Rooted in Gratitude is the premier annual gathering for Food + Farm Exploration Center, dedicated to advancing agricultural literacy. Each year, we bring together community leaders, industry partners, and supporters to celebrate the stories, people, and innovations that sustain our world.

Funds raised during this evening directly power our mission to connect people to the world of agriculture through hands-on exhibits, immersive education programs, and statewide outreach.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Whether you’re here to recognize a leader, partner as a sponsor, or secure your seat, you can skip ahead to our participation options below.

Support Rooted in Gratitude

Why Rooted in Gratitude Matters

Your participation is an investment in the future of our food system. Every ticket and sponsorship directly supports:

  • Hands-On Learning: Providing students with high-tech "Field to Fork" experiences in our Kitchen Lab and Makerspace.

  • Community Connection: Strengthening the bond between Wisconsin farmers and the consumers they feed.

  • Agricultural Innovation: Showcasing the cutting-edge technology behind crop production and sustainability.

  • Educational Outreach: Expanding our reach to schools and families across the state.

2026 Recognition Theme: Women in Agriculture

Women are responsible for roughly half of the world’s food production. In alignment with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Rooted in Gratitude will spotlight the women shaping the future of Wisconsin agriculture.

From crop production to research, processing, education, agribusiness, and agricultural innovation — women are leading at every level of our food system.

This year’s honorees will reflect excellence across Wisconsin’s diverse crop landscape, including potatoes, cranberries, mint, specialty crops, row crops, and emerging agricultural sectors.

Submit a Nomination

Event Details

Date and Location

  • Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

  • Time: 5:30 — 9:00 PM

  • Location: Food + Farm Exploration Center | Plover, WI

What to Expect

  • Savor, Sip, and Support: We will begin the evening with specially curated appetizers, wine and bourbon pulls, and live cooking demonstrations. Engage in interactive activities and immersive experiences that celebrate agriculture while supporting our mission to advance agricultural education.

  • Honoring Leaders in Wisconsin Agriculture: During our seated dinner and recognition ceremony, we will honor the women shaping the future of Wisconsin agriculture. Discover how we are providing critical education to deepen the relationship between farmers and consumers.

  • Silent Auction: Bid on unique agricultural experiences, local treasures, and one-of-a-kind items. Every bid directly supports our efforts to sustain the future of agricultural education.

  • Impactful Storytelling: Hear firsthand how your support is working to bridge the gap between the field and the dinner table through innovation and community outreach.

  • Community Networking: Connect with agriculture professionals, donors, and community supporters who share a passion for Wisconsin’s vibrant food and farm landscape.

Get Involved

  • Nominate an Honoree

    Celebrate an exceptional woman making an impact in Wisconsin agriculture.

    Submit a Nomination

  • Become a Sponsor

    Align your organization with agricultural leadership and innovation.

    Make an Impact

  • Stay Informed

    Event tickets and more details coming soon, let us know you’d like updates.

    Join the Interest List

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It is our signature fundraising event. Proceeds support agricultural literacy and the community education programs hosted at Food + Farm Exploration Center.

  • Rooted in Gratitude is open to everyone! It is a gathering for agriculture professionals, local businesses, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of Wisconsin's food and farm system.

  • Honorees are chosen through a formal community nomination process and reviewed by a selection committee of industry peers and center leadership.

  • Businesses can partner with us through a variety of sponsorship levels. These partnerships help expand our reach and deepen our impact on agricultural literacy across Wisconsin. Detailed sponsorship options and benefits will be available soon.

  • Yes. While sponsorships offer additional benefits, individual tickets will be available once general registration opens.

  • We’re happy to help. Please reach out to: Amy Wiernik, Donor Development Director, via email awiernik@fftf.us or by calling 715-303-3276 x1102

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about the global movement celebrating women in food production?