celebrating community + collaboration + changemakers
Eat Up Columbus
Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 6:30 p.m.
National Veterans Memorial & Museum Rooftop
Eat Up Columbus is a city soirée celebrating community, collaboration, and changemakers in Columbus, all while raising essential funds to support Freedom a la Cart’s work to empower survivors of human trafficking.
The rooftop setting provides a view of the city skyline where friends can mingle, enjoy local music, taste hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants and hear stories of impact. Guests are encouraged to dress in white to resemble the blank canvas survivors are given when they embark on their journey of freedom + self sufficiency.
Join us as we come together as a collaborative community of change.
Together, we can become changemakers for freedom right here in Central Ohio.
interested in being a volunteer?
Interested in volunteering at this year’s Eat Up Columbus? We have a variety of different positions to fit your interests and skill set. Volunteers will be needed to collect donation items leading up to the event as part of the Giving Committee, as well as for day-of-event assistance with set up, tear down, registration/greeting, and auction monitoring. Fill out the form below and we will connect with you further and share pertinent details as they become available!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the event?
It’s a soirée, so think of a summer cocktail party at your friend’s house. Guests are encouraged to dress in white to resemble the blank canvas survivors are given for a fresh start and life of freedom. Examples of dress for the event are: a white button-down shirt/blouse with white pants/jeans (khaki pants permitted), or a white sundress. Please, no casual shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps, or tennis shoes.
What is included in the ticket?
Two types of tickets will be available: 1) mingle tickets, sold individually, and 2) tables, which include eight (8) tickets with reserved seating.
Mingle Tickets include: admittance to the event; hors d’oeuvres featuring local restaurants; two (2) drink tickets + one (1) signature cocktail per guest; one (1) take home gift; and validation for FREE parking. PLEASE NOTE: reserved seating is not included with the mingle ticket. Ample natural seating on surrounding steps and a limited amount of cap table seating is available.
Tables include: a reserved 8-person table located in the center of the rooftop sanctuary; eight (8) event tickets; hors’ d’oeuvres featuring local restaurants; two (2) drink tickets + one (1) signature cocktail per guest; one (1) take home gift per guest; one (1) Eat Up event T-shirt per guest; name designation on table; name listed within the event program.
Is dinner served at the event?
Because restaurants are still in recovery mode, this year’s event will once again embrace a soirée theme, instead of a dinner party. Hors d’oeuvres will be circulated to guests in waves, highlighting delicious bites from local restaurants.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Two drink tickets will be provided for each event attendee. Additional drinks (alcohol or non-alcohol) will be available for purchase onsite. No carry-in food or drink is permitted.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available in the National Veterans Memorial and Museum private lot. You’ll bring your parking ticket with you to the event and receive a validation ticket for FREE parking when you check-in.
May guests tour the museum?
Yes! The museum will be open to event guests from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for tours.
Does the event include an auction component?
Yes! This year’s event will include both a silent AND live auction, with all funds going directly toward our workforce development program + supportive services to empower survivors! Have a business service or item you’d like to gift for the auction? Please contact us at eatup@freedomalacart.org.
Is this event rain or shine?
Yes. The National Veterans Memorial & Museum has a secure indoor location reserved for Eat Up Columbus in case of inclement weather.