Racine prepares for celebrity bartender battle to benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Buca’s Bar & Grill in Caledonia will host the inaugural Racine Celebrity Bartender Battle on Sunday, Oct. 26, bringing together local leaders and community members for a day of fundraising and competition to support Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Thomas Stark of Team Tommy, Bekah Garcia of Keller Williams Thrive and former wish recipient Abby Wendt joined us on Thursday, Oct. 16 to talk about how the event came together through community generosity.

They said everything from the tent and live band to the meat raffle and lunch is covered by sponsors, allowing every dollar raised to go directly toward granting wishes for Wisconsin children with critical illnesses.

This year’s event features eight celebrity bartenders divided between Team Tommy and Team Buca, including Beth Heidorn of the Racine Zoo and Marci Manderfield Bruley of Buckets Pub 2nd Round. The final contestants, Kara Kading and Ralph Malicki, were announced Thursday, completing the lineup.

The Bartender Battle runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, raffles and activities throughout the day. Fans are encouraged to come early, cheer on their favorite team and take part in a community effort that directly benefits Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.