By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Nov 26, 2021 at 2:01 PM Photography: Lori Fredrich

On Sunday Nov. 28 from 3 to 7 p.m., Oak Barrel Public House, 1033 N. Old World Third St. will host a charity benefit for the victims of the Waukesha Holiday Parade tragedy.

Bobby Wiltgen, owner of Cream City Concepts, says that he is compelled to do whatever he can to help because this tragedy has affected him on a personal level.

“It's important at times like this for a community to come together”, noted Wiltgen in a release about the event. “I spent my childhood growing up in Waukesha and my brother and my mom still live in Waukesha. My heart goes out to the victims and families.”

The free event will feature raffle prizes, music, a variety of donated foods and desserts, and other activities to bring the community together. Proceeds from the event will be donated directly to families of the victims.

Those who cannot attend but wish to make donations can do so online via A GoFundMe campaign.

“This world is awesome, yet sometimes filled with horror and sadness.,” adds Wiltgen. “The whole Cream City Concepts team and I just want to do something to help.”

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.