For one Madison catering company, it’s not just about the food.
By Andrea Plassman, Gilda’s Club Volunteer
In the catering world, awards often celebrate beautiful food, elegant presentations, and flawlessly executed events. For Blue Plate Catering, those recognitions are well deserved. For two consecutive years, the company has been named one of Madison’s Best Places to Work by Madison Magazine—an honor that reflects not only the quality of their cuisine but the strength of their company culture. But accolades only tell part of the story. Blue Plate’s commitment to service reaches far beyond the plate and into the community they call home, including their partnership with Gilda’s Club Wisconsin and the families we serve.
Photo Credit: Maison Meredith
From catering to event rentals and fundraiser support, Blue Plate walks alongside clients from the very first idea to the final toast. Their team doesn’t simply deliver a meal; they help shape the entire experience. Staff members coordinate logistics, recommend trusted partners, and manage every detail so hosts can be fully present for the moments that matter most. Their values, service, and partnership are why they are a key partner in one of our Signature fundraising events. Spend just a few minutes with General Manager David Porto, and you quickly understand something important: for Blue Plate, food is simply the vehicle. Service is the mission. And people are always at the center. That is why Gilda’s and Blue Plate are an unexpected dynamic duo.
Walking Alongside Gilda’s
That philosophy of service extends beyond events and into the community Blue Plate calls home. Blue Plate’s connection to Gilda’s Club Wisconsin began through a relationship with one of the organization’s founders, Cindy Alvarez. As Blue Plate catered events for Cindy and her husband, Barry, a natural partnership formed. When Cindy shared her passion for Gilda’s Club, a place where no one faces cancer alone, Blue Plate didn’t hesitate to get involved.
Since 2023, Blue Plate has supported Gilda’s Club Wisconsin’s annual Backyard BBQ, one of the organization’s signature fundraising events held each June, providing vital funding to keep cancer support free for members. In addition to providing catering, the team contributes sponsorship support, live auction packages, and hands-on involvement to help the evening run smoothly.
That spirit of walking alongside others is central to everything Blue Plate does. From the earliest planning conversations to the final guest departure, their team stays present with clients every step of the way.It’s a philosophy that mirrors the work of Gilda’s Club Wisconsin. Support begins the moment someone hears the words “you have cancer” and continues through treatment, survivorship, and beyond. Through support groups, healthy lifestyle workshops, family programming, and social gatherings, Gilda’s Club walks alongside members and their loved ones throughout the entire journey.
Geoffrey Sandler- Celebrations Entertainment, Melissa Parker- Event Essentials and Development Committee Volunteer, and David Porto- Blue Plate Catering.
A Rising Tide
For David, the mission of Gilda’s Club Wisconsin is not just professional—it’s personal.
After a close family member was diagnosed with cancer, the organization’s work took on a deeper meaning. The hospital visits. The treatments. The difficult conversations. The impact on families.
“I thought I understood before,” he reflects. “But now I know more.”
David often shares a favorite saying commonly attributed to John F. Kennedy: “A rising tide lifts all ships.” For him, it’s not just an economic principle, but a human one. When a community strengthens the people who need support, everyone benefits.
“If we can help an organization that does really wonderful things continue to do those wonderful things in the area where we live, that’s a no-brainer,” David says.
A Business Built on Serving
That spirit of service didn’t happen by accident. It was intentional, and deeply rooted in the company’s origins. That people-first philosophy traces back to the company’s founder and CEO, Jodi Fowler. Starting the business in her twenties, Jodi laid the foundation for a company defined by generosity, hospitality, and care for others.
Today, David describes his role as both shepherd and steward—helping guide the culture that Jodi established while supporting the team that carries the mission forward.
“It’s a passion for serving people,” he explains. At Blue Plate, they even have a phrase for it: bleeding blue.
What began as a small operation more than three decades ago has grown into a team of more than 35 full-time staff members—an unusually stable and loyal group in an industry often marked by high turnover. For David, that consistency reflects something deeper.
“The sum,” he says, “is way bigger than the parts.”At the core of their operation are six owners, including Jodi, Gary, Michael, Ben, Jon, and David, and a dedicated staff of culinary professionals and event specialists who work together to create memorable experiences for their clients.
More Than a Meal
For Blue Plate, that philosophy shows up not only in their business, but in the partners they choose to support. At its heart, Blue Plate Catering believes service extends far beyond the food on the table. The company is built on the belief that generosity is good business and that relationships matter.
That’s the spirit they bring to every event, including the Backyard BBQ. Their goal is simple: create an environment where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and free to focus on the purpose of the evening.
If great food draws people together, thoughtful service keeps them connected to the cause.
“We’re so honored to be able to help Gilda’s Club Wisconsin,” David says. “It’s truly a joy to play even a small part. The work the organization does is amazing.”
And that work is only possible because of partners like Blue Plate Catering.
When businesses stand with Gilda’s Club Wisconsin, they help create the rising tide that lifts families facing cancer and ensures no one has to navigate the journey alone.
For that partnership, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone at Blue Plate Catering. As we prepare for this year’s Backyard BBQ, we are thankful to walk alongside you in this shared mission of care, hope, community, and the healing power of a good meal and good people.
Learn More
To learn more about Blue Plate Catering and their new home in Fitchburg with on-site venue space (named after their founder, of course!), visit https://www.blueplatecatering.com/ and https://thefowlervenue.com.
Want to feel the power of our community and taste the delicious barbecue fare at the Backyard BBQ? Join us at the event on June 11th in Middleton! Learn more about the BBQ on our event website at: gildasbbq.com
