Spring is just around the corner and it’s time for everyone to mark their calendars to attend Santa Clarita’s perfect combination of fun and fundraising, Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town on Sunday, May 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Now in its 24th year, this annual community highlight was recently voted “Best Charity Event in the SCV” for the second year in a row by a poll of local residents.
As anyone who has attended will agree, Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town is all about “Food, Glorious Food.”  This year’s event, presented by Bank of Santa Clarita and Aquafine Corporation, will again feature over 40 of Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants, caterers, wine and ale purveyors, all offering samples of their finest in the beautiful garden setting of Mann Biomedical Park.  Everyone in attendance will be treated to a “taste” of the all-you-can-eat delights for the all-inclusive price of $75 (early bird price is $65, if purchased before April 6) or $125 for reserved seating.
“Taste of the Town would not be possible if it weren’t for the generous support of our sponsors and enthusiastic participation of our local food and beverage purveyors” said Lois Bauccio, Child & Family Center Foundation’s president and executive director, “We are amazed every year by their level of commitment to our success.”
“The Champagne Diamond Drop” has become a much-anticipated annual signature of Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town.  Sponsored by Classic Designs Jewelry, owner Apo Yessayan travels to Belgium to personally handpick the featured one carat diamond to be given away.  To enter the drawing for this year’s shiny gem, guests can purchase a glass of champagne for $25 – and then one lucky person will win the coveted prize.
Taste of the Town attendees will also have the opportunity to enter and win a spectacular seven day cruise on Princess Cruises to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean or the sun-kissed Mexican Riviera.  Opportunity tickets will be offered for $100 – and only 200 total tickets will be sold.  The winner will be announced at the event.  A silent auction, live music and entertainment will round out the festivities.
For the children of parents who are attending Taste of the Town, nearby Gymnastics Unlimited is offering a free open gym for children ages five and older.  Located at 28373 Constellation Road, Gymnastics Unlimited is within walking distance of the event venue at Mann Biomedical Park. My Gym, located at 28331 Constellation Road, is offering the same Open Gym for children ages four and younger. To qualify for these special opportunities, parents must be a Taste of the Town ticket holder, sign a Release Form for each child, and reserve your child’s time and spot in advance.
While Taste of the Town is a fun event where you can go to see and be seen, more importantly it is a vital fundraiser for Child & Family Center.  The Center provides mental health and behavioral intervention services for children, teens, adults and their families.  Since 1976, the Center has helped thousands of people overcome various issues.  But this year the Center is facing daunting budget cuts. So more than ever before, the monies raised are instrumental to maintain the services that many local children and families desperately need.
Last year alone, more than 4,500 local children and adults received treatment for depression, anger, anxiety, abuse, thoughts of suicide, and drug and alcohol addictions, among other disorders.  In addition to its four locations, Child & Family Center also has therapists on elementary, junior high and high school campuses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town is the best bargain around – for fun with friends, a date with your spouse, free childcare, and all the food and drink you want.   Plus you’re helping the people in your community who need it most.  
To get updates on participating restaurants, visit www.tasteofthetown.com.
For information on sponsorships or to donate auction items, please contact Cheryl Jones in the Child & Family Center Foundation office at 661-255-6847, x3018.