Proceeds benefit Frederic Ozanam Transitional Shelter

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — It is a party with a purpose. Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5, at Taqueria El Sol, 1705 S. Central Ave. in Marshfield. Owners Humberto and Anna Cano are hosting a full day of food and drink specials, live mariachi music, and the first annual Salsa Challenge with hopes of raising awareness and much needed funds for the Frederic Ozanam Transitional Shelter.

The shelter, which is under the umbrella of St. Vincent de Paul and supported by Marshfield Area United Way, opened in April of 2014 and has been near full capacity ever since. Families receive housing, case management, alcohol and other drug abuse counseling, life skills, résumé and money management education, food, and personal care products.

There will be a Salsa Challenge, in which individuals and local restaurants are invited to register and provide a batch of their original salsa, whether it be mild, hot, or fiery. Community members will have the opportunity to taste test and vote for their favorite salsa with bragging rights and a traveling trophy going to the winner.

“Humberto and Anna have a strong sense of community and want to help support the shelter and its families,” said Patti Willkom, organizer. “They are so generous.”

Taqueria El Sol will be offering free Pepsi products with purchase for the local lunch crowd from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mexican food and drink specials will be offered throughout the day. The live mariachi music will be from 6-9 p.m.

Proceeds from this event will help purchase an industrial-strength washer and dryer to replace the current standard models, which cannot keep up with 14 families’ laundry needs on a daily basis.

Sponsors for the event include McNeely Financial, McNeely Insurance, Forward Financial, Time Federal Savings Bank, and Festival Foods.

Registration forms for the Salsa Challenge can be obtained at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store or online at stvincentsmarshfield.org.