NO ONE GOES HUNGRY
Taste of Phoenixville supports Good Samaritan Services
Members of the community enjoyed an evening of delicious food, drink and live music at the 18th annual Taste of Phoenixville fundraiser dinner.
Proceeds from the hugely popular event benefit Good Samaritan Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting those experiencing homelessness in Chester and Lancaster counties.
Held at Franklin Commons, attendees could sample from a wide variety of appetizers, entrees, gourmet desserts and beverages from nearly 30 area restaurants and breweries that donated their time to the worthy event. Food tables were set up all around the venue as guests mingled, perused silent auction items and networked, all for a great cause.
“The people of Phoenixville and Chester County have always been willing to share their bountiful harvest with their neighbors in need and the Taste of Phoenixville, now in its 18th year, is a testament to that conviction,”
said State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th Dist.
“Over the years, it’s been remarkable to see this event grow and expand in conjunction with Phoenixville’s incredible economic growth and revitalization to ensure that no one is forgotten, no one goes hungry, and no one is left out in the cold. Thank you to all the volunteers, patrons, and donors who continue to make the Taste of Phoenixville an annual tradition in our area and an ongoing reminder of the true meaning of a compassionate and caring community,” Dinniman remarked.
Spanning both Chester and Lancaster counties, Good Samaritan Services gives immediate help to people who are experiencing homelessness and assists those at risk of becoming homeless by restoring stability in their lives. Helping up to 200 people a day, the organization provides a variety of services ranging from emergency shelter to permanent housing, along with financial empowerment programs to help people get back on their feet in a sustainable way.
“It’s an important event because so much of our funding comes from the community — 97 percent,” said Nate Hoffer, GSS chief executive officer. “An event like this is great because it draws in the community and everyone has a great time. They eat from some of the finest restaurants in the area, and they also feel good knowing all of the proceeds raised tonight literally help us keep our doors open. Our 12 facilities provide everything from emergency shelter to affordable housing for men, women and children.”
As guests danced to lively music performed by the HythaFam Band, they browsed dozens of items on display in the silent auction, with bid proceeds going to the organization. Auction items were donated for the event and included wine and gift baskets, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork, ceramics, gift certificates, and more.
Additionally, there was an exciting live appeal that raised $22,000 in seven minutes.
Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler noted how the community and Taste of Phoenixville support those less fortunate in the area who may have unexpectedly fallen on hard times.
“We are very fortunate here in Chester County. We live in the wealthiest county in Pennsylvania and one of the wealthiest in the United States. One of the biggest challenges is for individuals who may be facing housing insecurity that they may not have a safe place to go. It really doesn’t take much to start facing housing insecurity. It may be the loss of a job or unexpected medical expenses. It’s incredible to have organizations like Good Samaritan and a number of nonprofits here in the Phoenixville community,” said Urscheler.
Laura Preby, marketing director of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and also a Phoenixville resident, noted she hopes to volunteer with the event next year.
“You can see how the community is very dedicated to the cause. It was incredible to watch everyone raise over $20,000 dollars in less than ten minutes. We don’t always realize that there are members of the community who are struggling to make ends meet. Good Samaritan provides an important service to people and helps them have a better quality of life.”