Taste of Ireland Milwaukee Event Hosts Charity Event

Taste of Ireland is a fundraiser for Hibernanias for the division in Milwaukee for Catholics focused on friendship, unity, and Christian charity. They are a men’s Catholic fraternal organization, and the main goal is to support education in the city of Milwaukee. With the year nearly coming to an end, you can expect to celebrate holidays with one another and probably cannot wait until the days arrive.

This year Taste of Ireland was hosted on Nov. 9, 2023. This is the 10th year straight that it has been hosted.

The event was hosted at the Turner Ball Room. The venue has tables, two minibars, a buffet, a silent auction table, and a stage for performances. Right away when you enter you hear Irish music.

“As an Irish organization we enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, with six months away it gives us a reason to celebrate” said Chris Kellenberger (Division President). “We had some conflicting issues but that did not stop us from celebrating Taste of Ireland.”

The Irish organization is called the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The main reason for the events is fundraising which all of the profits go to three schools in Milwaukee that are in socioeconomic challenged areas. This year, the schools that will be receiving help are Notre Dame School, Nativity Jesuit Academy, and Messmer St. Rose.

Some communities in Milwaukee were historically Irish, and, with other ethnic groups arriving in America, they wanted to support the ones who were in need.

Taste of Ireland wants to reach out and pay it back to many other communities. Where the Irish community was before is now different since Hispanics, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans are now where the Irish were. They want to pay it forward and help with more schools in their communities.

“Knowing that the Irish came to America they were in a hard time with other ethnic groups we want to support the ones who are in need,”  said Kellenberger. We have flourished in the Milwaukee community we want to reach out, and pay it back to many communities.”

With this being the 10th year of Taste of Ireland, there have been other events with similar goals.

“Historically, the ancient Hibernians have been in Milwaukee for a very long time other events were smaller in size and did not raise enough money,” said Kellenberger. “But regardless they continued to do the same and keep up with the same mission.”

Whether it is your first or third year coming to Taste of Ireland just come and support even if you know nothing about the Irish culture.

“I don’t know very much about it my husband is very into Irish culture,” said Samantha Bethel. It seems to be in a great environment, with great food it brings a great energy to what I see.”

Taste of Ireland is mostly known for its food, and it varies year by year because of different restaurants. Restaurants have always brought stew as well as a signature item that they want to show off. This year is a new pub named McBobs’s Pub & Grill.

“My friend is an Hibernian so he invited us to attend, I can see it is a charity event, raise money, and have a great time,” said Ashley Sullivan. “My favorite thing about Taste of Ireland so far is the stew and socializing.”

Even being a charity event it is a great place to support the Irish community.

“I am a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians I volunteer with everyone who is part of the AOH,” said Kevin Gleason. “I enjoy dancing and listening to Irish music.”

There is a wide variety of who come.But with the marketing efforts and through the three schools they support African-American and Latinos they tend to have a presence of having a diverse group of people.

Next year they are hoping for a bigger and better version of what is here tonight.