Wayne Babcock serves donuts at “Taste of Autumn” last year. Courtesy | Amber Yoder

St. Peter’s Free Clinic will partner with local businesses Oct. 18 to provide food, wine, and live music at its 20th annual “Taste of Autumn” fundraiser.

The fundraiser will begin at 7 p.m. in the Searle Center. Guests will be able to sample food and beverages from local restaurants and businesses and participate in raffles, according to Amber Yoder, secretary of the clinic board. 

“We’re working hard to make it extra special,” Yoder said. “We have Detroit Red Wings tickets for a door prize. Your ticket is your entry into the drawing. We will also have a wine raffle and a gift basket raffle.”

The clinic, which is based at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Hillsdale, provides medical care to uninsured Hillsdale County residents, according to Jamie Bauerly, clinic director. 

“All of the people that work here — the doctors, the nurses, the pharmacists — none of them get paid. It’s all just volunteers,” Bauerly said. “The proceeds help us provide care and medication to those in Hillsdale County who have little or no insurance.”

Bauerly said the mission of the clinic is to meet the needs of those facing poverty and homelessness in the Hillsdale community.

“When we started the clinic, there was a huge need for care in this community. I volunteered for many years until I became director. The work we do has been in my heart, because it’s something we need in this community and will continue to need,” Bauerly said.  

At the fundraiser, businesses partner with the clinic to provide a fun atmosphere and a variety of food. Bauerly said the fundraiser received its name because people can sample from many different vendors.

“That’s why it’s ‘A Taste of Autumn.’ You can only have a taste because you have about 20 vendors to go to, so if you eat a lot right off the bat, you’re too full to eat anything else,” Bauerly said. 

The event is open to everyone. Yoder said guests can dress up and make a special evening out of it, especially because it falls on “Sweetest Day,” a holiday that celebrates loved ones. 

“It’s a unique event, in that you have the opportunity to sample many different types of foods, wine, and craft beer for the price of a ticket,” Yoder said. “This year, the event falls on ‘Sweetest Day’ as well, so it would be an excellent date night!”

Tickets are $50 in advance or at the door and will go directly toward the clinic’s effort to provide free services to those in the community who cannot afford medical care.