The Taste

Have Fun ∙ Save Lives

(Baton Rouge, La.) The Taste, an annual fundraiser benefiting local cancer patients, is coming soon.  Award-winning cuisine from more than 25 local restaurants and caterers will be in one location 6:30-9:30 p.m., May 1, 2014 in the Capital Atrium of the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel. Entertainment will include live music by the J Gray Jazz Trio and a silent auction. It will be a fun evening for a serious cause in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and its fight against cancer. “The Taste is one of the Cancer Center’s largest fundraisers,” said Tom Adamek, honorary event chair along with his wife, Lisa. “As a board member, I know firsthand that by purchasing a ticket to attend or taking home an auction item, you are making an investment in saving someone’s life.” This year’s festive evening is presented by Brian Harris Audi and Louisiana Lottery Corporation. Taste Co-chairs are Pamela Delatorre and Lindsay Chustz Guerin. The buzz is building about the Signature Showcase Auction Item, an extraordinary dinner party staged at the fabulous home of TJ Moran and Judy Byers. One lucky winner will host a five-course  meal  for 10, personally crafted by renowned Chef Peter Sclafani, paired with exclusive wines to complement each course. As a keepsake from this special evening, each couple will take home a signed copy of Sclafani’s debut cookbook, “Seasons of Louisiana.” Another exciting component of this year’s event is a raffle featuring a select piece of woman’s jewelry from New York-based designer Ippolita, courtesy of Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, and a New York City trip for two including airfare and hotel accomodations. Tickets are available at the cost of $50 each. The drawing for this remarkable prize will be held at the The Taste 2014. Winner need not be present to win. “Proceeds from ticket, auction and raffle sales will help provide vital treatment services for those who otherwise could not afford them,” said Kaitlyn Guerin, associate development director, Mary Bird Perkins. “This includes free community education and cancer screenings for medically underserved populations, and transportation services for patients who need help getting to their treatments.” Tickets for The Taste are $100 each and include tastings and cocktails. To purchase tickets, please visit marybird.org/taste.  Sponsorship and restaurant participation opportunities are currently available. To get involved as a sponsor or volunteer for this exciting event, contact Guerin at (225) 215-1221 or kguerin@marybird.com. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is the most comprehensive cancer center in Louisiana offering patients the convenience of receiving high-quality, advanced care close to home. The Cancer Center is part of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP), a group of competitively selected cancer centers that is developing a national model for community cancer care.