04/02/2024
What started as an idea, became a reality, then it became something much bigger than just a food festival...
In 2016, my son Thomas Jr. was born prematurely at 33 weeks. We spent 19 days in the NICU at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital (*the one the crowd waves at during the Iowa Hawkeye Football Games)...
After that experience, I knew, I wanted to find a way to give back and support the Children's Hospital in whatever way we could so they could continue to support families like ours...
There are 2 things I typically order on any menu at any restaurant I go to, and that is Mac & Cheese and Craft Beer...
So, I had this idea to combine the two together in this crazy concept of a beerfest and food festival, but with a major focus on the Mac & Cheese...
Mac & Cheese Fest was born. It's a simple concept. Live music, awards for the chef's competing for Best Mac & Cheese (The Golden Noodle Award), and Best Brewery award. General Admission 6-8pm for $39 and VIP gets an extra hour + more swag for $59. Oh, and lots of swag for everyone from 1-800-Tshirts...
It's a party! It is a community event that brings people together...friends, families, co-workers. There is something about Mac & Cheese and Craft Beer that feeds the soul!
Some people come for the Mac & Cheese, some for the craft beer, and others to support the University of Iowa Children's Hospital...
Since starting Mac & Cheese Fest, we've raised over $150,000 for charity. The impact is more than I ever would've imagined...
I'm looking forward to this years edition of Mac & Cheese Fest as we add some new swag and a few other fun features to create an amazing experience for the attendees...
I hope to see you there!
- Tom & Amanda Rauen