Alexandria Rotary’s 17th Taste for Giving Ushers in the Holiday Season
Alexandria, VA – Many people mark the beginning of the holiday season by playing Mariah Carey’s infamous song “All I Want for Christmas,” but for Alexandria, it’s the annual Taste for Giving charity event hosted by the Rotary Club of Alexandria that kickstarts the season of gratitude. “This year marks the 17th year, and we have roughly raised over $1.2 million for the community thus far,” stated Jim Carmalt, Rotary President.
For a second year in a row, the event was held at the Atrium in Old Town and welcomed over 200 ticketed guests to eat, drink, and be merrier while purchasing raffle tickets to win prizes that ranged from Washington Nationals baseball tickets to travel experiences. All proceeds from the raffles are allocated to help Alexandria-based nonprofits. “It’s the premier event of the year where you can support a great cause and eat good food with amazing people who are invested in the Alexandria community,” said Mary Lee Anderson, Rotary Member.
The Alexandria hospitality industry showed up in full force by displaying savory and sweet bites that had the crowd coming back multiple times to partake in their favorite dish. Local restaurants that participated were Dishes of India, which served Kali Mirch Tikka Malavani over Basmati rice; Pork Barrel BBQ offered its crowd-pleasing pork ribs; The Trademark presented its prosciutto and burrata flatbread and Dolci Gelati brought four different types of cold treats that consisted of a sorbet and several ice creams.
Fall-worthy dishes that required a spoon were offered by several of the restaurants. Table Talk brought its chicken noodle and vegan-friendly lentil soup, The Warehouse served she-crab soup, Blackwall Hitch prepared creole rigatoni and tuna tartare, and Hard Times Café offered two variations of their chili that guests could customize with the toppings of their choice.
To round out the parade of restaurants, Nando’s Peri-Peri constructed a small plate of chicken wings seasoned with lemon & herb sauce and a side of Portuguese rice, The Royal fashioned a plate of pot roast adorned with roasted carrots, and the River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar served a decadent oyster pot pie. Unwined and Port City Brewing Company supplied libations (wine & beer).
“The success of this event year after year comes from fundraising and generous donations from our supporters and sponsors,” said Paul Anderson, Rotary Past President. The evening ended on a high note, with the Rotary Club exceeding its $65,000 goal to be distributed as grants to Alexandria charities.
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