Beverage, catering partnerships lead to successful nonprofit events
June 1, 2026
This piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.
When the Sioux Falls State Theatre recently marked its first century with a Golden Gala, one partnership proved essential to toasting its success.
“With so many moving parts involved in an event of that scale, it was such a relief knowing the beverage service was completely taken care of,” executive director Allison Weiland said.
“As anyone in the event world knows, having dependable partners can make or break an evening, and JJ’s absolutely delivered.”
JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars has built a strong reputation supporting events of all kinds with its turnkey, custom beverage service. For nonprofits, it’s especially helpful in easing the burden of producing a major fundraiser.
“One of the things we appreciated most was how adaptable they were,” Weiland said.
“The State Theatre is a unique historic venue with its own set of challenges, and their team adjusted seamlessly to the space, our setup and even a larger-than-expected crowd.”
The team brought its creativity, too, with 1920s-inspired cocktails and even Hamm’s Beer for nostalgic flair.
“They jumped right in and helped make it happen,” Weiland said. “Working with JJ’s gave us confidence that our guests would be well taken care of, and they truly helped set the tone for a fun, welcoming and successful evening. Beyond that, it was wonderful working with a true, local, mom-and-pop business that genuinely cares about the community and the organizations they support.”
JJ’s even handled all the glassware and disposable drinkware, “which may sound like a small detail, but after a late-night event, the last thing anyone wants to be doing at 2 a.m. is washing dishes,” she added. “Those behind-the-scenes details mattered tremendously.”
The Teddy Bear Den has experienced the JJ’s difference for years. The nonprofit’s mission is to inspire economically disadvantaged pregnant women in the Sioux Falls area to seek early and regular prenatal care.
JJ’s co-owner Tom Slattery is a former board member and connected with executive director Sandy Lown when she asked him to consider donating to the organization’s annual auction.
“He said he would, and I was wowed because I didn’t even know him,” Lown said. “Usually, it’s people you know well who agree. And since then, he just has rallied behind our mission, and whenever I come to him with a new idea, he jumps in and helps with anything we need.”
Recently, that has been the annual Beer, Bourbon & Beef event, which Lown calls a “fun-raiser” as it’s intended to be a good time and raise awareness as much as it is to generate donations.
“It’s a great event to tell people who we are and about our program,” she said. “It’s hosted at JJ’s, and the whole event is outdoors under a tent.”
This year’s event is from 5 to 8 p.m. June 7 outside of JJ’s in the north parking lot at 3000 W. 57th St.
There will be live music provided by GoodRoad, delicious steaks provided by Uncle Ed’s Specialty Meats, plus tasty beers, bourbon cocktails and bourbon sampling from JJ’s. The JJ’s Bar kitchen will provide tasty side dishes, and The Boozy Bakery will provide desserts.
Attendees must be 21 or older. Visit here for tickets.
“It’s a great way to kick off your summer, and we’ve had a really strong response this year already,” Lown said. “There are still tickets available, and we would always make room. That’s why I just love working with Tom. He cares about community and wants what’s best for our community and will go out of his way to make things really good for people in our community.”
JJ’s is able to assist organizations with events of all kinds and sizes but especially enjoys supporting nonprofits, Slattery said.
“These organizations are making the difference for people in our community, they’re often working with limited budgets, and the events we support through beverage and catering services are crucial to their sustainability,” he said.
“We can ensure their guests have a fantastic experience and take a weight off them by handling everything with our ‘kitchen sink’ treatment, meaning we bring everything but.”
It’s also a good fit for venues such as the Urban Adventure Center, which is owned by Scouting America Sioux Council and can hold as many as 300 people for an event.
While it has been used for graduations, birthday parties and Scouting-related events, it’s also a fit for events with adult beverages, said Brett Aljets, director of marketing and development.
“If someone wants to do an event with alcohol, they can go through JJ’s, and Tom carries the insurance and the license, so he can cater whatever they want for beverages,” Aljets said. “We have a sound system and would be able to do corporate events there, bridal showers, bachelor parties, you name it.”
He got to know Slattery through a Scout-related wine social.
“He catered our wine social last year, and it worked out great. He brings everything. I don’t have to worry about plates or glasses, so it’s one less thing on my plate,” Aljets said. “When we began thinking about using Urban Adventure Center for other events, Tom was the easy solution. He has everything: the alcohol, the licensing, the catering if they want that, insurance. It’s just a beautiful partnership.”
