courtesy: Taste of Arizona
The movement of embracing local products and services has been on the minds of the good people at the Arizona Youth Partnership (AzYP) for years with its fundraising event, A Taste Of Arizona.
A showcase of local food and wine, AzYP’s Development Coordinator Joseph Howell says, “This is a homegrown event. We’re only using purveyors who either started in Arizona or who operate in the state.”
Attendees should literally expect to experience the many influences of Arizona through their taste buds - and the good cause it raises money for sweetens the already great $25 price. Funds raised will go directly to AzYP’s summer and after school programs in Pima County, in an effort to supplement funding deficits at local schools.
“We have programs that operate in Catalina and Ajo where we provide out of school activates for youth, with topics ranging from decision making to social skills. We also try to teach youth beyond what they are accustomed to by using resources within the community. Community members may come in and teach hip hop dancing, we have a group of ladies who teach sewing, and a business owner who taught everyone how to make pizza,” says AzYP’s Director of Research and Program Development Cindy Corona.
The event aims to more than double the $7,000 raised last year. “This year we’ve increased our goal to $15,000 due to increased need in the community,” Howell explains.
The silent auction, which is the highlight of the evening, will feature artwork, jewelry and hotel getaways to central and southern Arizona, among other items. Organizers are particularly excited about autographed sports memorabilia and a culinary gift certificate from a local bakery for a customized cake, which are also up for auction.
The 5th Annual A Taste Of Arizona takes place May 7 at La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25/person or $40/two. For more information on AzYP or this event call 744-9595 or email taste@azyp.org.
