EA food fest feeds education ambitions

For over 100 years The Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation (EAPF), headquartered in Wayne, has been engaged in bettering the lives of area females who are young, old or in between.

Originally aimed at relief efforts when the First World War began, the gals have continued caring about others through all types of trials, wars, upheavals and tribulations that affected not just Southeastern Pennsylvania but beyond as well.

For just over a decade their principle means of raising monies to fund their scholarship awards has been an early spring fling titled “Taste of the Main Line.” Area restaurants and catering enterprises set up shop in the Radnor Financial Center’s spacious corridors. For a truly nominal fee attendees have gotten to sip wines, quaff newly brewed ales or this year sampled spirits from Beam Suntory and that’s only the fluids that were available.

Along with these specialties guests found their way through throngs of supporters who were enjoying tempting foods from the likes of 20 elegant eateries. Savona, 333 Belrose, Estia, Gulliftys and The Silverspoon were among the choices. Yangming, Habana and Margaret Kuo’s filled in a few of the ethnic spaces.

In addition to the eatery or libations providers what matters the most to the members of EAPF is their ability to give young ladies a chance for higher education levels after leaving high school. With over a half million dollars raised beginning in the early 1980s, the organization has provided scholarships for some 200 secondary grads to help them on their way to not just a degree, but a perspective on what it truly means to “aid” others.

Mark the calendar now for next year’s March food fest on the second Thurs. of the month. It’s a great way to scope out the best eateries along the Main Line while providing an education opportunity at the same time. For more info on the organization visit the website at eapa@verizon.net.

Emergency Aids Chairwoman Alice Dagit of Gladwyne (center left) gets ready to sample fresh pasta specialties from Savona chef Ivan Hladkowicz (third left) as Jerry Sorkin of Radnor, Chet Dagit, David Benway of Radnor, Mary Kate Dagit, Savona’s sous...

Deirdre Koeyick of Radnor and Wayne women Anne Herron and Jane Dooner sample the mini macaroni and cheese tartlets proffered by Peachtree & Ward’s chef Tina Moyra.

Mary Wagner of Berwyn, Sandra Pfaff of Haverford and Kathie Pitocchelli of Wayne are set to greet the arriving guests.

Emergency Aid’s co-chairwoman Kristen OíDoherty of Blue Bell and her husband, John, head off for their tastings of the culinary creations.

Guests enjoyed the musical talents of Bob Burtyn on clarinet, Heath Allen tinkling the ivories and Steve Kleiman strumming the old banjo.

Wayne residents Joan Harley and June Appell man the check-in area.