Whether you’re a food and wine expert or someone who simply savors sumptuous mega-buffets with great spirits, Taste of the Town 2014 is an event you don’t want to miss.
To be held Sunday, May 4 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. along Mann Biomedical Park’s beautiful grounds, “Taste” is the Child & Family Center’s signature annual fundraiser. With its presenting sponsors Bank Santa Clarita and Whitening Lightning, the event will serve delectable dishes from nearly 50 local restaurants and caterers, and fine wines and beer.
Also on tap: live musical entertainment from platinum recording artist Mark LeVang & Friends; a live auction including trips to Tuscany and Hawaii, one adorable rescue poodle-mix puppy, and a special dinner cooked in your own home (with cooking lessons) by Chef Louis Eguaras, former chef to presidents George H. Bush and William J. Clinton; a silent auction offering hundreds of desirable items; and opportunity drawings including the Diamond Drop, which is for a stunning one-carat diamond from Classic Designs Jewelry, and a luxurious 15-day Princess Cruises trip for two to the Hawaiian Islands.
“Taste of the Town ticket sales have been strong and we still have some available,” stated Joyce Carson, who is co-chairing the event with fellow longtime SCV (now-retired) educator, Sandra Smith. “This is such a great event and we look forward to a fabulous turnout.”
Many SCV eateries donate time, food and expertise to making the event a must-attend charity soiree. Now in its 26th year, Taste of the Town raised $223,000 in 2013 – funds that help the non-profit provide critical mental health, behavioral, and educational services to children, adults and families.
Debbie Heys, whose Child & Family Center affiliations include Foundation board and past Taste of the Town chair, hails “Taste” as “the best event in the Santa Clarita Valley.”
“It’s always fun to mingle and meet people we haven’t seen before…and it’s a great way to spread the word about the Child and Family Center,” said Heys, who annually attends with her husband John.
With her love for children’s charities, Heys feels it is “our responsibility to help children in need.”
“Children have no control over their lives and have to live with whatever situation they’re in,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to hear of their stories happening right here in Santa Clarita. The Child & Family Center plays a huge role in so many lives.”
An exciting new socially interactive addition to Taste of the Town is Evolution Interactive Group’s custom-developed activity, “Favorites of the Town,” in which guests will name their three top picks for entree, dessert, and drinks. Led by founder and SCV resident Tamer Abdel, Evolution will provide a large screen kiosk for ongoing social media messages and photos, and “Favorite of the Town” registration (guest names and email addresses). Volunteers will also stroll about registering attendees’ choices. Following the event, five randomly selected winners will receive free movie tickets and dining gift certificates.
Mann Biomedical Park is located at 25105 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia.
Tickets to this adults-only event, which include all food and beverages, are $75 per individual and $100 for umbrella-covered table seating (pre-sale only).
For further information including tickets, opportunity drawings and auction items: www.tasteofthetown.com.