The Distilled Gentlemen, a local social group founded for men to come together to enjoy fine spirits, fellowship and food while also supporting philanthropic efforts, held their first Christmas party fundraiser on Wednesday, December 19. More than 300 people showed up to the invite-only group’s gathering at a local house and were able to raise $12,750 for Metroport Meals On Wheels through ticket sales and sponsorships.

After the night had concluded, club member and owner of Scratch Kitchen Ted Bilskey received a call from the nonprofit with the news that an anonymous donor matched the night’s proceeds. So a total exceeding $26,000 would benefit their organization.

“When Amy Robinson from Metroport called me the morning to tell me about the anonymous donor, it was a chilling a surreal moment,” club member and owner of Scratch Kitchen Ted Bilsky says. “To know we live in a community that embraces the charities that are so important to so many in the area is a blessing to everyone.”

The event also acted as a toy drive for the GRACE Christmas Cottage, and the group collected more than 150 toys, including a brand new bike!