If it was going to be anything like previous years, the Cocktails for a Cause event would allow guests to have a good time while also raising money for a good cause.
And though 2020 is nothing like previous years, the McLaren Port Huron Foundation is moving ahead with its Cocktails for a Cause event, albeit in a slightly different fashion.
This year’s event is moving online.
The 2020 Cocktails for a Cause cocktail contest is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, and from the comfort of your own home.
At least you don’t have to worry about finding a designated driver.
"It was initially postponed but knowing that so many organizations are postponing their events for the fall, we decided to do it now. This is one of our smaller events anyhow, so with everyone stuck at home, we thought it would be a fun thing to do," says Lynn Griffor, executive director for the McLaren Port Huron Foundation.
"This is a way to give back while having a fun drink."
It works like this: McLaren Port Huron Foundation, McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute have each come up with their own signature cocktail — for McLaren Port Huron, it’s their take on the martini, the Quarantini.
Soon, each organization will share their recipes. Participants are then invited to make the drinks from the comfort of their own homes. Guests are then invited to make a donation to the organization of whichever drink is their favorite.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations aren’t even required; Griffor would just like people to have fun and "go from there."
Participation is open-ended. Have a videochat with friends over cocktails. Post a photo to the event page.
The money raised by McLaren Port Huron will go to their COVID-19 relief fund, which can support everything from medical supply costs to employee assistance funds.
For the McLaren Port Huron Foundation staff, which has seen the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis firsthand, spending a few moments to come up with the Quarantini has been a well-deserved and welcome respite.
"Considering what I spend most of my time doing, it’s been very fun," Griffor says.
Visit the McLaren website or Facebook page for more information about Cocktails for a Cause.
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