IMAGE GALLERY: 'Taste of the Boroughs' Attracts Hundreds

Local restaurants, wine and beer vendors and area businesses were on display Sunday evening, March 25 at the as the kicked off its fifth annual Taste of the Boroughs fundraiser and auction.

A crowd of more than 300 guests sampled a diverse array of entrees, desserts, craft beer and fine wine by some of the most well-known establishments in the area, including , , and . Restaurants participating for the first time this year included , Romaines, Bistro Limoncello, CoCo Beni, Fish, 5 Star Sweets and

Sponsored this year by Mike Mathieu, Ed Newton, and The Mathieu Group, the Taste of the Boroughs gala has become known not only for the vendors it attracts but for its large number of sought-after auction items.

Live auction items included tickets to Madonna's only Boston appearance, Red Sox tickets and two iPad3s (one was offered as a surprise at the end of the night).

Silent auction items offered everything from getaways and "date night" packages for parents to skating lessons and birthday party packages
for the kids.

Spa and shopping excursions, photography sessions, and tickets for Boston hot spots and family attractions comprised only a few of the more than 100 items upon which guests could offer bids.

"This event is about community -  sharing and exploring some of what our area has to offer," said Allen Edinberg, president of the Boroughs JCC. "Not just the food, wine, beer, and desserts, but the involvement of dozens of businesses and individuals in supporting our mission to build a stronger sense of community in our area.”

Edinberg pointed out that the funds raised by the event supported community programs at the JCC as well as preschool scholarships for those most in need of financial assistance.

New additions to this year's event included dessert offerings presented by both bakeries and restaurants. Sports memorabilia offered for bid included a signed basketball by Celtic legends Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish; a Bruins jersey signed by Tim Thomas and many signed photos and Red Sox baseballs.

Auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies David Crandall agreed. "There are so many fantastic restaurants in the tasting, so many great businesses highlighted in the auction, and so much fun to be had by the community socializing together."

At the end of the evening, Stephen Marmor, vice president of programming at the JCC, told Westborough Patch, "I would like people to remember the great feeling of community this event provides. It was a great event with a wonderful community atmosphere.”

He added, "And FYI, we are starting to plan for the 2013 Taste of the Boroughs this coming weekend!”

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