By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Apr 03, 2019 at 2:40 PM

Care-a-lotta, the charitable arm of The Bartolotta Restaurants, announced today that it has selected Courage MKE as its partner for 2020.

Courage MKE, a collaborative organization which raises funds and awareness for LGBTQ+ youth and works to provide the resources they need to thrive, was among 60 applicants for the annual gala, which aims to support the work of local initiatives that make a difference in the Milwaukee area.

"Each year, our goal is to ‘move their needle’ by aligning with an organization where we can effectively leverage our brand to raise awareness, friends and funds for our partner," notes Care-a-lotta Director Jennifer Bartolotta.

"Our board has a strong commitment to identifying and partnering with organizations whose missions are deeply rooted in lifting individuals. At our very core lies the essential human need to feel like we matter, when we believe that we matter, hope is restored and it is hope that fuels our human spirit. Courage MKE’s mission to shelter and lift our homeless LGBTQ+ youth is perfectly aligned with our mission and we look forward to partnering with them next year."

The sixth annual Gala-lotta in support of Courage MKE will be held at The Italian Community Center in the fall of 2020. The fully funded gala is staffed by Bartolotta employees so that all money raised at the event can go directly to the nonprofit organization.

"We are so honored to have been chosen for this partnership with Bartolotta's 2020 Gala-lotta," says Co-Founder & Executive Director at Courage MKE, Brad Schlaikowski.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with an organization that continues to support our communities through their philanthropy. This gala will allow us to open future Courage Houses and continue our mission of making safe and caring spaces for displaced LGBTQ+ youth here in Southeastern Wisconsin."

The 2019 Gala-lotta partner, Running Rebels will hold their Gala on Thursday, September 26 at the Italian Community Center. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.