Proud Sponsor 2010 Taste of Grand Traverse

Women's Resource Center 2010 Fundraiser Annual Fundraiser Changes Direction

Allison Beers is proud to chair the 2010 Women's Resource Center- Taste of Grand Traverse.


Women's Resource Center 2010 Fundraiser
Annual Fundraiser Changes Direction

Traverse City, MI, May 28, 2009 – The annual fundraiser that brings in more than $50,000 for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) plans to completely reinvent itself in 2010. After 15 years, the event formerly known as Extravaganza, will now be called Taste of Grand Traverse. The WRC plans to bring in local restaurants of all varieties, as well as small food and beverage purveyors, for a “taste” event much like Taste of Chicago, but on a smaller scale. While a location is still being set, the event will continue to be held in February.

The change comes after feedback over the last few years.

“For the past two years we changed Extravaganza to reflect a more casual atmosphere and, to be honest, it was very successful and guests had a great time. But we wanted to take it a step further and open our doors to welcome the entire community. At this time, we are considering little or no admission cost whatsoever, just the price of ‘taste’ tickets to allow more people to attend without breaking the bank,” says Allison Beers, Chair of the Taste of Grand Traverse event.
“I have been tossing around the idea of an event like this for a while after working on one like it in Philadelphia, but never found the time to plan it. When we decided to change direction for the annual WRC fundraiser, it seemed like a natural fit,” Beers adds. “Details are still being worked out on the restaurants involved, ticket price and entertainment, but we plan to offer a first class event as always.”

The WRC also wants to make this a win-win situation for the restaurants and food and beverage companies involved by not only offering a great marketing tool, but providing the opportunity to cover their food cost.
“It has become increasingly difficult to continue the tradition of live and silent auctions and raffles. It is time for a change. For a few months now, the WRC has been talking about ways the agency can give back to the community. If at all possible, we would like to structure this new event so those vendors who participate can also reap some of the benefits,” said Valerie Kirn-Duensing, Director of Development for the WRC.

For 34 years, the WRC has been working to end domestic and sexual violence in our community. The agency has grown from a handful of committed volunteers to a staff of 45 professionals who cover five counties, three satellite offices, a 24-hour emergency shelter, three transition homes and a retail thrift shop.
Questions regarding the Taste of Grand Traverse event can be directed to Allison Beers at 231-883-2708 or email Allison@EventsNorth.com.




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