By Amanda Foust
More than 40 area restaurants, wineries and breweries are on board to provide a sampling of food and beverages to the 13th annual Taste of Carmel event, benefiting Orchard Park Elementary.
“Support from the community … allows the PTO to provide services and programming in line with other Carmel Schools,” Taste of Carmel Chair Jennifer Penix said.
In addition to providing entertainment and a variety of food, Taste of Carmel will include a silent auction, raffle, photo booth and caricature drawings.
“We are entertaining and engaging them while they support our students,” Penix said.
This is the first year the VIP cocktail hour, First Taste, will be offered before the main event. VIP guests will receive a gift and enjoy live entertainment while networking with others in the community. The VIP area will have a superhero theme.
“The Superhero theme recognizes (those) who lead, protect and grow the City of Carmel literally and figuratively,” Penix said.
Orchard Park’s PTO plans to use funds raised from both events to finance programs and materials not covered by state or district budget allocations, such as providing teachers with iPads, purchasing two-way radios to improve school safety, funding a giving tree for families and buying materials to enhance classroom learning.
Penix said Taste of Carmel has raised more than $200,000 for the school. This year organizers are hoping to raise $50,000. The event is run by parent volunteers, which allows funds to go directly to the school.
“This is so much more than a fun evening for friends to gather,” Penix said. “It is a showcase for the spirit of the Carmel community.”
TASTE OF CARMEL
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 3. VIP cocktail hour is from 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St., Carmel
Cost: General admission is $25. VIP tickets are $75.
