The Children’s Home Society of Florida’s 23rd Annual Chef’s Sampler will be held March 2 at the Leon County Civic Center. The event will feature about 50 local restaurants serving a variety of foods.
Tickets for the event start at $50 or sponsorship packets can be purchased.
Lauren Lovern, development support specialist for the Children’s Home Society, explained the idea behind the packet.
“It includes a table, extra tickets, a pass for the pre-event reception and signage and advertisement,” Lovern said. “The packets are different prices according to the preference of tickets needed.”
Chris Decent, director of development for the Children’s Home Society said the Chef’s Sampler is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the society. “We usually expect about 2,500 to 3,000 people to attend,” he said.
Among the 50 restaurants confirmed to be at the event are Lucy Ho’s Oriental Bistro, Harry’s Seafood and Grill, and Marie Livingston’s Texas Steakhouse.
Some restaurants have been participating in the Chef’s Sampler for more than 20 years. “Cabo’s Mexican Grill is a loyal attendee,” said Decent. “They’ve been doing this event for all 23 years. They do it because they believe that it is important to support children and families in the community.”
All of the money raised from the event will go toward the programs and services at the Children’s Home Society of Florida and Big Bend, Inc.
“Last year we served about 4,700 children and families in the Big Bend, Inc.,” Decent said.
Jessica McCallister, event coordinator at the Leon County Civic Center, said the event is anticipated by the Tallahassee community.
“We look forward to having the event here at the civic center,” McCallister said.
The Chef’s Sampler will have all you can eat food and drinks from the assortment of vendors.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier will be providing a chocolate fountain, Decent said. Community Coffee will be serving coffee throughout the night. Southern Wine and Spirits will be there, as well as Pepsi, so attendees will have plenty of options.
“Last year we had a blast, so I’m pretty sure this year will be just as much fun,” Decent said.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.
For more information about the 23rd Annual Chef’s Sampler, contact the Children’s Home Society at (850) 921-0772 or visit the Web site at http://www.chsfl.org/eventdesc.php.
For tickets and sponsorship information, or e-mail Erin Silvaroli at erin.silvaroli@chsfl.org.