Join the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s Toast to Dairy Event

By Blake Jackson

The Dairy Excellence Foundation is set to host its annual farm-to-fork celebration, A Toast to Dairy, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. at Melhorn Manor in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

The event will feature meal stations highlighting Pennsylvania Preferred ingredients, artisan cheeses, locally crafted beverages, and various networking opportunities. Guests who purchase tickets by May 1 will receive an early-bird discount of $10 off each ticket.

“We look forward to our annual ‘A Toast to Dairy’ event every year to catch up with colleagues and friends, meet new faces across the industry, and ultimately, support the next generation of dairy through our Foundation’s scholarships, internships and dairy education programs,” said Emily Barge, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation. “We’ll have the PA Preferred food and artisan cheese that this event is known for along with fun activities and surprises to make the evening memorable for everyone who attends.”

This year’s event will include guided cheese tastings paired with chocolate-inspired foods and drinks, a dessert bar, and samples from regional wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

Attendees will receive a tasting passport to enjoy samples at various stops. Additional highlights include live music, raffles, a caricature artist, and access to an outdoor courtyard, creating a vibrant atmosphere for networking.

Frank Campbell, a regular attendee, described the event as one not to be missed: “This is one of the ‘must attend’ events of the year, and it supports a great cause. It’s a great event to meet with other folks that have similar interests in supporting our agricultural community, and specifically, the Dairy Excellence Foundation. It’s a very enjoyable evening with great activities. Of course, the food is excellent as well.”

Last year, approximately 375 people attended, helping to fund the Foundation’s scholarships, internships, and dairy education programs.

Tickets are $85 per person, with discounts available for early purchases and group packages. To buy tickets, visit centerfordairyexcellence.org/toasttodairy or call 717-346-0849. Those unable to attend can still support the Foundation at centerfordairyexcellence.org/donate.

Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence