PHOTOS: It Was A Circus In Davenport At The 2022 Martini Shake Off
The HAVlife Foundation Martini Shake Off returned to the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport Thursday night. It was great to see everyone at this incredible event that's all for a great cause. Plus, there were so many delicious martinis from incredible bartenders throughout the Quad Cities. Once again, I had the privilege of being a judge which meant I had the chance to try one category of martinis before everyone else did. It was a blast and I can't wait for the 2023 Martini Shake Off!
Concerts and events have returned to the Quad Cities. An event that many people look forward to every year is the HAVlife Foundation's Martini Shake Off. Last year's Martini Shake Off didn't happen, (thanks, rona) but it returned to the RiverCenter in downtown Davenport bigger and better than ever Thursday night.
This year's theme for the 2022 Martini Shake Off was a circus theme. When you get to the pictures in the article, those don't even do it justice because the RiverCenter looked amazing. But the circus theme helps dictate the kind of martinis you can expect.
Once again, I had the honor of being a 'volunteer judge' (twist my arm to drink booze) and judging a specific category of martinis. Back in 2020, I judged the fruit martinis which were delicious. This year, I along with 4 other dudes were the judges of the dessert martinis. Most of them were pretty dang delicious. To be honest, I can't remember which martini we decided as a winner, but I know it had chocolate, toasted marshmallows, caramel, and it went down the fastest. There was one that was pink, rimmed with sprinkles, and had a unicorn cookie on it. That looked pretty and didn't taste too bad either.
They don't tell us what bar or restaurant they came from, but to whoever was deemed the winner of the dessert category, I'll take my free martini the next time I come in.
Since I had a pregnant wife to attend to, I didn't stick around too long after judging. But I checked out the auction tables and I want to say thank you to all of the great businesses that donated items to be auctioned off for the HAVlife Foundation.
You can read more about the HAVlife Foundation after you check out some photos from the 2022 Martini Shake Off.
2022 Martini Shake Off
Regardless, it was an amazing time and I thank the 2020 Martini Shake Off crew for inviting me out to judge and enjoy a fun evening in the Quad Cities. The HAVlife Martini Shake Off raises money for the HAVlife Foundation Quad Cities chapter.
Started in memory of Hunter Aaron Vondran, HAVlife Quad Cities was the first of three HAVlife chapters established to shed light on lost potential in youth ages 10 to 15. Full of athletic aspirations, musical passions, and artistic talents, these dreamers’ zest for life runs deep. Unfortunately for some, financial burdens and life’s obstacles trump ambition, leaving dreams untouched and potential lost.
Through local school systems, community organizations, and generous individuals, HAVlife works with these individuals to Prevent Lost Potential! Whether it be providing funds for a young boy to attend a local music camp, or for a young girl to attend a soccer camp her family can’t afford, HAVlife provides the resources students need to pursue their musical aspirations and athletic goals – just as Hunter did.
Preventing Lost Potential doesn’t end when a donation is made or a child returns home from an art lesson, it continues for a lifetime. Study after study reveals music, art and athletics benefit social, behavioral, and cognitive development in children. That’s why HAVlife works so hard to allow young students the opportunity to pursue their passions without limits!
To learn more about the HAVlife Quad Cities Chapter, click here.
We'll see you next year at the 2023 HAVlife Martini Shake Off!
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