ERRA’s Bourbon and Beer event moves the needle $60,000 closer to fundraising goal

The Eagle River Recreation Association (ERRA) is celebrating another successful Bourbon and Beer fundraiser, which raised close to $60,000 with every dollar going directly toward the Ice Plant Fund.

The annual event took place July 21 at Eagle Waters and serves as a big fundraiser for the organization.
The gala brings together ERRA supporters and volunteers for an evening of premium bourbon and beer tastings, raffles, and a live auction. It has become one of ERRA’s most anticipated annual traditions and a key driving force for the organization’s capital improvement efforts.

This year, proceeds go toward a full replacement of the rink’s aging ice plant.

“We are so grateful for the amazing turnout and support the community has shown the ERRA and youth hockey and figure skating by attending the Bourbon and Beer fundraiser,” said Kate Mors-Egan, event organizer. “Because of the generosity shown, this will directly benefit our community because without ice, there would be no ice hockey or figure skating. We are so appreciative to those who continue to show up and support.”

ERRA extends special thanks to every attendee and donor, and especially to those who contributed raffle items and live auction items that helped make the evening such a success.

“We are so fortunate to have what we have in our area, it truly is unmatched,” said ERRA Vice President Kim Adamaovich. “Fundraising for something with a price tag like this is no easy feat, but working with partners like Laura Koranda of Eagle Waters, and our volunteers, as a team, it’s an amazing thing to be a part of and so rewarding.”

ERRA’s current ice plant has exceeded its service life, requiring more than $100,000 in emergency repairs since 2022 just to keep ice on the floor. Rather than continue patching an aging system, ERRA is moving forward with a phased replacement, prioritizing one rink first to minimize disruption and keep ice available for the community throughout the implementation process.

That progress is already visible on the ground. A new concrete pad, built with materials and labor donated by Easton Otto, Zach Otto, and Bud Gall of Laser Screed Services Northern Wisconsin, LLC, now stands housing ERRA’s first chiller. At the same time, the rink’s electrical system is undergoing a major upgrade to support the new equipment.

“It’s great to see so many people coming together to give back to this important project and help keep our rink in operation,” said ERRA Treasurer Jenni Renkes. “We still have work to do, and we’re asking everyone to help us get across the finish line. Please consider reaching out to your friends and family and encouraging them to donate so we can complete Phase 2 in May/June 2027.”

ERRA still needs to raise $430,000 to fully fund Phase 2 of the ice chiller project.

Anyone who is interested in joining in on the support can get involved in several ways: making a direct donation to the Ice Plant Fund, checking whether their employer offers a matching gift program to double the impact of their donation, or issuing a personal or business matching challenge to inspire others to give. A cash raffle will also be launching in the coming weeks as another way for the community to get involved.
To donate or learn more about the ice plant project, visit erra.com and select Ice Plant under the About section.