Totally Pawsome Wine Mixer set

Totally Pawsome will hold its first Wine Mixer Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Red Canoe in St. Germain, raising funds to provide pet food assistance to local families in need.

The afternoon will feature wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music, raffles and a cash bar offering wine, cocktails and mocktails.

Live entertainment will be provided by musician, emcee and entertainer Kalee Hernandez. Hernandez will perform throughout the afternoon and help keep the festivities and raffles moving.

Guests will also receive a commemorative Totally Pawsome stemless wine glass as a keepsake from the organization’s inaugural Wine Mixer.

Despite the “Wine Mixer” name, no fancy dress is required. The casual outdoor event is designed for guests to relax, enjoy food and wine, and support pets in the community.

Founded to help keep pets fed and families together, Totally Pawsome serves residents of Vilas and Oneida counties through its pet food pantry and other pet-related services, including free or donation-based nail trims and microchipping. In 2025, the organization experienced an increase of approximately 40% in the number of pets served, highlighting the growing need in the community.

Funds raised through the Wine Mixer will help stock the pet food pantry and support Totally Pawsome’s ongoing programs.

“We’re really excited about how this event has come together,” said Tracie Van Houten, president of Totally Pawsome. “It’s going to be a fun afternoon, but there’s also a very important purpose behind it. The majority of the food we distribute through our pantry has to be purchased, so fundraisers like the Wine Mixer directly help us keep food on the shelves and pets’ bowls full.”

Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. They may be purchased at The Red Canoe in St. Germain, Eagle River Pet Company in Eagle River and The Mad Baer in Land O’ Lakes.

Those unable to attend may support Totally Pawsome by making a tax-deductible donation.

For more information, visit totallypawsome.org, follow Totally Pawsome on Facebook or call 715-539-6815.