Event raises $30,000 for food bank
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The 21st annual Taste of the Valley fundraiser to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley raised more than $30,000 to feed people in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
Twenty-five Valley restaurants decorated tables and donated time to provide a selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages to 550 guests at Stambaugh Auditorium on Oct. 7. The event included silent and chance auctions and music by Stan Miller.
The restaurants were judged for best appetizer, best entree, best dessert and best overall. Judges were Bob Sferra of Culinary Occasions in University Heights; and Faye Foote and Sandie Foote, executive pastry chef and food and beverage manager, respectively, of the Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland.
Best appetizer was awarded to Goodies Mediterranean Grill & Lounge, best entree to Leo’s Ristorante, best dessert to Jeff Chrystal Catering and best overall to Leo’s Ristorante. The food bank thanked all sponsors and participating restaurants and beverage providers for their support.
Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley distributes food to 153 hunger-relief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These organizations include faith-based pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and after-school programs.