Looks like so much fun and the funds raised will go to benefit the Domestic Violence Intervention Center.
Posted: Monday, April 13, 2015 6:00 am
Community members are invited to Opelika’s Marriott at Grand National this Thursday to awake their taste buds to the variety of culinary talent the East Alabama area has to offer.
The Lee County-based Domestic Violence Intervention Center will host its 14th annual A Taste of East Alabama event Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. to raise money and awareness for victims of domestic violence. The event, which raised between $11,000 and $12,000 in 2014, is the center’s largest fundraiser of the year, according to Executive Director Lisa Jackson-Stephens.
“It’s not just about raising money; it’s about raising awareness as well,” Jackson-Stephens said. “It’s an opportunity for individuals to show their support for the organization and for the work we do and to help spread the word.”
For the price of $35 a ticket, guests will have access to unlimited food tastings from 20 local restaurants and caterers. The evening will also feature a wine tasting, silent auction and live entertainment by DJ Mike Jones. Art, sports memorabilia and spa packages are among items that will be available via the silent auction.
Vendors include Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn Steakhouse, Zoes Kitchen, Above & Beyond Catering, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Red Lobster, Bob’s Victory Grille, Mugshots Grill & Bar, O’Charley’s, Marco’s Pizza, Marble Slab Creamery, MaFia’s, Outback Steakhouse, Niffer’s, Panera Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts, Kroger, Block & Barrel Deli, Christine’s, Publix, Pannie-George’s Kitchen and the Marriott.
Jackson-Stephens explained that while some restaurants and caterers in particular have in past years been creative in their samplings, most vendors choose to serve an item off of their regular menus.
“For the most part, if you come, restaurants are going to serve something so you’ll come to that restaurant looking for that item or something else,” Jackson-Stephens said.
Corporate sponsors include J. Hilyer, CPA & Associates , Cricket Wireless, Rivertown Volvo-Subaru, East Alabama Medical Center, Gibson-Moore Foundation, John & Deborah Owen and Sheriff Jay Jones.
Jackson-Stephens first got the idea for the event 14 years ago after hearing about a similar food tasting fundraiser in Montgomery.
“I thought it would be good to bring that to our area,” Jackson-Stephens said.
The DVIC aids both female and male victims of domestic violence via its 24-hour emergency shelter and crisis line, transitional health services, case management, counseling, support groups and legal advocacy. In 2014, the center sheltered 79 women and children at its emergency shelter. The organization, a United Way agency, extends its services across Lee, Chambers, Tallapoosa, Randolph and Macon counties.
Jackson-Stephens encourages guests to attend the event in support of an important cause.
“It’s not just about good food and good entertainment; it’s about bringing awareness for the issues and the need for the community to get involved,” she said.
Tickets for A Taste of East Alabama cost $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of the event or by calling 334-749-9284.
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