SC United Way’s 24th Annual Taste of Spring

For the past 23 years, people have come together to celebrate spring at the annual United Way of Seneca County ‘s “Taste of Spring.” Each year, vendors donate their products, their time, and/or prizes to help host what is considered one of the premiere events of Seneca County. The event features wines produced by local wineries and the culinary delights of area chefs, who help raise much-needed funds for United Way. The 24th annual event will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Holiday Inn. “I am always nervous right up until the event. Will everyone come? Do we have enough food, wine and door prizes?” said United Way executive director Karen Beals. “This year is different because of the up and down economy; but we have a fantastic, creative team of volunteers who are determined we will beat last year’s fund raising record.” The goal for this year’s event is $17,000.This year will see some exciting new additions with raffles and change in traffic flow. Because of the fluctuating economy, United Way decided to make the event even more attractive by keeping the price of tickets exactly as it has been the past six years – $25 in advance until April 25th or $30 at the door.Tickets are available at United Way – PO Box 623, Suite 215 Main Street Shop Center, Waterloo, by calling 315.539.1135 or online at [email protected] In addition, all funded Partner Agencies and Board Members have tickets to sell.“While “Taste of Spring” is a wonderful evening out, it is in reality the critical “kick-off” to the annual community campaign the United Way holds to raise resources to address community needs and increase the quality of life in Seneca County,” Beals explained.All of the funds generated will be used to continue the work that the United Way does to improve education, income and health, the basic building blocks for a successful and happy life. At the event, more than 500 people gather, to sample the delights of more than 35 vendors from local restaurants and wineries. Some faithful vendors have been participating from the beginning – Swedish Hill, Knapp Vineyard, Creative Confections, Buttonwood Grove Winery. Newer ones include: Happy Family, Muranda Cheese, Cayuga Creamery and Zugibe Winery. As the United Way looks to the future, they are already planning for next year’s gala 25th event. The Gala will once again be held at the Holiday Inn, one of the many local sponsors that also include Seneca Falls Savings Bank and Seneca Meadows who make this event so successful.For the past 53 years, United Way of Seneca County, a non-profit organization, has been helping make Seneca County a better place to live and work by inspiring citizens to Live United. Its partner agencies are dedicated to improving education, health and income in Seneca County. For more information, contact United Way at 315-539 -1135 or email [email protected]