Inside the 14th Annual March Madness Mixer

There’s something special about a room full of people who show up not just to have a good time, but to give back while they’re at it.

That was exactly the energy at this year’s Farmington Community Chest Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting, reimagined as the March Madness Mixer, which brought together approximately 230 attendees for an unforgettable night of community, connection, and generosity.

Held on Friday, March 27th at the Farmington Polo Club, the event delivered on all fronts. Guests enjoyed a curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits from both local Connecticut vendors and internationally recognized regions, paired with crave-worthy bites and the buzz of Sweet 16 basketball playing on the big screen.

But this wasn’t just a night out. It was a night that made an impact.

$35,000 Raised for the Community

The evening raised approximately $35,000 in support of the Farmington Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and other local initiatives.

The PBA plays a critical role in supporting officers, their families, and members of the community during times of need, making it a meaningful and fitting beneficiary of this year’s event.

A Night Built on Generosity

Throughout the evening, guests had plenty of ways to get involved beyond the tasting.

Dozens of raffle prizes and auction items, generously donated by local businesses, kept the energy high, while crowd favorites like the Cork Pull and the ever-popular wheelbarrow of wine, beer, and spirits added an extra layer of fun (and friendly competition).

And in true Farmington fashion, the night felt less like an event and more like a gathering of neighbors.

“This year’s event truly exceeded expectations,” said Chris Andrews, President of the Farmington Community Chest. “Seeing neighbors, businesses, and friends come together to enjoy the night and support one another is what this organization is all about. The generosity of this community continues to show up in a big way, and it’s something we never take for granted.”

Community Support at Every Level

Events like this don’t happen without a serious team effort.

This year’s success was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including The Bottle Shop of Unionville, Quinoco, the Luke Roux Memorial Fund, Maple Tree Nursery, Plainville Electrical Products Co., Ron’s Automotive, and dozens of additional local partners.

The Luke Roux Memorial Fund also returned as the event’s Designated Driver Sponsor, providing Uber ride vouchers so guests could enjoy the evening safely and responsibly, because a good night out shouldn’t come with next-day regrets.

A New Benchmark for What’s Possible

Now in its 14th year, the event continues to grow, setting a new benchmark for attendance and reinforcing what makes Farmington so unique: a community that consistently shows up for one another.

About the Farmington Community Chest

The Farmington Community Chest is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the Farmington community through local giving. Since 1931, the organization has raised and distributed funds to support critical services, community programs, and neighbors in need. With a focus on keeping resources local and responsive, the Community Chest ensures that generosity from the community directly benefits the people who live in Farmington.



To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.farmcommchest.org