The VCSJ is a nonprofit organization that acts as a liaison between other nonprofits and volunteers to change lives, improve communities and empower individuals and families.
In 1998, the Volunteer Center of Gloucester County introduced a small plate offering where the community could come together enjoy food by local chefs and other eateries. Years later, the Volunteer Center of South Jersey continues to bring up to 400 guests and 20 South Jersey eateries and wineries together, at Auletto Caterers in Almonesson.
This year, “Taste of Community” will be held on Monday, April 23. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m., with a VIP reception at 5 p.m.
The fundraiser benefits the VCSJ, a nonprofit organization that acts as liaison between many nonprofits and volunteers to change lives, empower individuals and families and improve the communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. It also offers educational, consulting and other support services to help nonprofit organizations grow, so that volunteers and the business partners can serve the community.
“We are proud of all that we do at the Volunteer Center — our online volunteer portal now has over 2,600 volunteers from South Jersey, including a growing number of people in Philadelphia,” Executive Director Michele Epifani said. “The Taste of Community represents what we ultimately do all year long — making connections for the community who want to make a difference. This event brings together the volunteers, nonprofit organizations and the business community for an evening of sipping local wines, savoring tastes from some of the finest eateries in South Jersey, all while they make that connection.”
The VIP reception starts at 5 p.m. at Auletto’s wine cellar. Tickets for that event are $75 per person, and include a special wine and hors d’oeuvres tasting, as well as a main tasting event. General admission tickets, which include tastings from over 17 area eateries, are $55 each. Live entertainment, a photo booth, basket auctions and door prizes will be available throughout the evening. Restaurants from throughout South Jersey will represent various cuisines and cultures, including American Bistro, BBQ, Italian, Indian, Mexican, vegan and more.
To purchase tickets, visit https://toc2018.eventbrite.com or sjvolunteers.org/toc, or call the VCSJ office at (856) 415–9084.
