Mosaic of Rockford, a nonprofit organization providing supports and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Rockford, is hosting its first annual Martinis for Mosaic; a fundraiser benefiting the individuals served by Mosaic, presented by 97 ZOK. 

Twelve local bars and restaurants are showcasing their signature martini and appetizer in the Grand Ballroom at Giovanni’s on Thursday, August 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. After sampling each restaurant’s signature drink and dish, guests then cast their votes for their favorite in four categories: Best Martini, Best Appetizer, Best Display, and Best in Show. The Dean Moriarty Jazz Band, a sixpiece jazz ensemble that has been entertaining audiences in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for over a decade, is providing live music, and Steve Shannon from 97 ZOK is pulling doubleduty as both host and celebrity judge.

Two other local celebrities join Shannon in his judging duties: Dana Buck, bass player of The Sensations, and Bob Presman, known for his radio career as ‘Mr. Baseball.’ Martinis for Mosaic will also include a silent auction, as well as fishbowl auctions. “We are very excited for this event,” said Carla Saelens, Executive Director of Mosaic of Rockford. “We’ve been serving people with disabilities in Rockford for 7 years, but no one knows who we are.”

Saelens hopes this event will create some name recognition for the “often overlooked agency,” as well as raise funds to help offset the detrimental budget cuts from the state of Illinois. 

Tickets are $25/person or $45/couple in advance, or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mosaicinfo.org/rockford, at the Mosaic of Rockford office located at 3520 N Main, Rockford, IL, by phone at 815.387.8390, ext. 24, or at any of these participating restaurants: Big Al’s Bar, Brewsky’s, Brio, Captain’s Pub, Five Forks Market, Kryptonite, Old Chicago, Olive, R.B.I.’s, Rascal’s Bar and Grill, Sports Page, and Thai Basil Fusion.

Mosaic provides individualized services, living options, work choices, spiritual nurture and advocacy to people with disabilities in more than 250 communities across 14 states and Great Britain. Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and a member of Lutheran Services in America. Mosaic is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about Mosaic of Rockford, visit www.mosaicinfo.org/rockford or call (815) 387-8390.