When guests enter Bay St. Louis Community Hall on Nov. 7, they’ll not only get to sample some of the Coast’s best cuisine — they’ll be helping local youth reach their full potential.
A Taste of the Future, a fundraiser benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast’s Hancock County Unit, draws 120-plus people annually. Now in its ninth year, the event combines community spirit, culinary delights and a worthy cause.
“We have guests from all cities along the Gulf Coast attend,” says Samantha Martin, director of marketing and branding for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast. “This is a perfect opportunity for those who live outside of Bay St. Louis to try the delicious local food in the Bay!”
FOCUSING ON YOUTH
Several local restaurants, such as Murky Waters, Dunk’s Southern Style Buffet, Sugar Pop Baking Co., Mockingbird Café, and Dan B’s, have partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs on the event for years. Sugar Pop, whose sweet treats have become a staple of the fundraiser, will be back again this year with their delicious cupcakes.
“It’s for the Boys and Girls Clubs; that’s all they needed to say,” says Sugar Pop owner Renee Loranger. “We try to be involved with organizations that help the community and especially focus on kids.”
According to Martin, the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast is to empower all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
“BGCGC believes that every child who walks through our doors should be on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, making good decisions about their health and their habits and actively participating and giving back to their communities,” she says.
Taste of the Future goes a long way toward achieving these goals — allowing the organization to serve over 6,700 youth ages 5-18 with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and leadership.
A GREAT TIME FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
There is no dress code for the event, Martin says, and guests are invited to come as they are — no fancy attire required. Unfazed will perform as attendees sample a variety of mouth-watering fare, from Italian and Japanese to Mexican and barbecue.
“The atmosphere is inviting and fun,” Martin says. “With the live entertainment, many guests are up moving and dancing, checking out the silent auction and networking.”
The object of the evening, Martin says, is to show guests such a great time that they want to return next year. She emphasizes that the event is a collaborative effort, and its success allows the Boys & Girls Clubs to provide more services, programs and opportunities for local youth.
“With the support of the community, such as our sponsors, vendors, board members, volunteers and guests, this event can help raise awareness for a worthy cause,” she says. “Without our generous sponsors and restaurant vendors, this event wouldn’t be possible.”
A Taste of the Future
Nov. 7
6 –10 p.m., Bay St. Louis Community Hall
Tickets: $30 per ticket, which includes one drink ticket; $250 for a table of 8
For further details, see bgcgulfcoast.org