First Taste-Fest a Success for Chippewa Valley Schools

"Going once, going twice, sold ... to the gentlemen in the back."

Those words were heard several times at the Taste for Education, which took place Thursday night at Zuccaro Banquets and Catering. The evening was a success with the Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation raising thousands of dollars for the enrichment of students at Chippewa Valley Schools. 

“We are thrilled with the success of the Taste-Fest," said Diane Blain, director of School and Community Relations at Chippewa Schools. "The generosity of the business community and our local restaurants exceeded our expectations. It was great to see school staff, parents and community leaders come together to benefit the students and programs of Chippewa Valley. 

"I think everyone had a great time. I know I did. The money we raised will help fund our teacher mini-grant program and other larger projects to help us continue our mission of providing every child with an excellent education," Blain said.

Part of the evening featured restaurants with elaborate displays for their tasting stations, including Nino Salvaggio's, which received an award for best display.

Luciano's received the award for the best cuisine for the evening for their chicken cooked with lemon, butter and garlic. Other favorites included J. Baldwins for its tilapia, P.F. Chang's, which brought its famous lettuce wraps, Catering 2 You for its crepes, the Mirage for tortellini and meatballs and Vince and Joe's, which featured a variety of foods.

Cheli's Chili Bar offered pulled pork sliders, Stevie B's brought pizza and Bar Louie even had samples of beer.

The tasty food was the highlight until the bidding wars started with the silent auction. Some featured auction items included a basketball signed by the championship Chippewa Valley basketball team, a football signed by all the players from University of Michigan and their new coach, along with tickets to an upcoming game. Other items included restaurant gift cards, golf packages, an American Girl Doll, photography packages and sports items. 

The live auction included such treats as a power lunch with County Executive Mark Hackel and his right-hand man Mark Deldin, catering by Zuccaro's for 25 people, a cruise on Lake St. Clair with the Marine Division, golf at Oakland Hills, an hour with Mitch Albom and a guest appearance as conductor for the Chippewa Valley Marching Band and the Dakota Marching Band, just to name a few.

Mike Reeber, assistant superintendent for human resources with Chippewa Valley Schools, won the "You're the Conductor" prize and chose to conduct both schools.

"The night was outstanding," he said. "I'm very happy."