Chippewa Taste-Fest and Auction to Feature Premiere Restaurants, Prizes

Guests at the Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation's first Taste-Fest and Auction will not only have the opportunity to sample the specialties of more than a dozen local restaurants, but also to bid on prizes ranging from overnight stays at ski resorts to suite seating for a Taylor Swift concert.

The foundation's signature event, "A Taste for Education" will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at Zuccaro's Banquets and Catering in Chesterfield.

"With the threats to cut school funding at the state level, it is more important than ever that we as a community stand behind our district," said Rene Ruhlman, CVEF president. "Whether or not they have children currently enrolled in the district, community members can make a big impact by attending this event."

The CVEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Chippewa Valley students through scholarships and innovative classroom grants. Tickets are $40 and proceeds will fund these scholarships and grants.

"With the caliber of restaurants we have participating, the $40 ticket price really is a bargain," Ruhlman said. "Especially considering that you are also supporting the foundation's mission of providing extraordinary educational opportunities for the students of Chippewa Valley Schools."

Most of the premiere restaurants in town will participate in the event by offering tasting stations with hors d'oeuvres, entrees and desserts. Restaurants include J. Baldwin's, Brio Tuscan Grille, P.F. Chang's, Luciano's, Sajo's, Cheli's, Max & Erma's, Mirage, Zuccaro Banquets and Catering, Catering to You, Nino Salvaggio's, Vince  & Joe's and Wintergarden Tavern.

Chippewa Valley Schools Interim Superintendent Ron Roberts will emcee the event and a live and silent auction will run through the night.

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on auction items such as a catering package from Zuccaro's for 25 guests, a Pistons suite, a Coach bag, two tickets in a suite to see Taylor Swift in concert, three rounds of golf and lunch at Oakland Hills Country Club on the Championship/South course and several overnight stays and travel packages to destinations such as Schuss Mountain, Crystal Mountain and Cedar Point.

For the more adventurous bidders, there is also a private 30-minute flight, a private cruise with the Marine Division and dinner for four at Clinton Township Fire Hall and a ride on the fire truck. 

The Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation was established in 1987 to provide a means for businesses and individuals to help children of all ages and backgrounds succeed by contributing to the educational funds.

The foundation is focused on encouraging innovation through creative teaching, facilitating student development and fostering community and school partnerships. It will fund major projects and will also continue to enable faculty to undertake a number of innovative classroom projects at all grade levels by awarding numerous small classroom grants.

Tickets for the event are $40 and still available. They can be purchased in advance at Chippewa school buildings, the administration building or by calling 586-723-2240. They will also be available at the door for $50.

Cocktails will be available for purchase at the event.