Annual Taste of the Township Has Record Year

With nearly 400 —and nearby—residents in attendance, the 11th annual  on Friday night was a huge success.  committee Chairman Harry Verlato reported that the event made more than $41,000, the highest total earned in its history.

The food selection featured a record 26 vendors that donated their signature dishes and servers to benefit the library. “We even had to turn a few away this year because we were out of room,” said Margaret Verlato, library board member and committee vice chairwoman.

The money will help the library maintain its high standard of service and programs for the community despite several years of state funding cuts.

“The committee and board set their goals high because they want to keep up with technology and provide a variety of formats for educational materials, as well as continue the traditional service,” said library director Pier Lee.

A huge variety of dishes representing all types of cuisine were available to taste in small portions—or for a full plate of seconds. Favorites of the evening included  meatballs, Jackson’s short ribs, hand-carved sirloin from , , an Asian buffet from five local restaurants, Brisket Quesadilla from ,  desserts and decorated fruit from Edible Arrangements, to name a few. 

Newcomers Texas Roadhouse from Bridgeville and  represented a milestone in getting the national chains to support the library. Likewise with vendors from outside the area such as Freddie’s II of Bethel Park, Angelo’s of Washington, Calabria’s at Frosty Valley and Bella Sera of Canonsburg.  

Among the local celebrities attending was John Steigerwald, a former Peters resident, who was signing his second book, "Just Watch the Game (Again)." Former Pittsburgh Steeler and three-time Super Bowl winner  donated a signed jersey, and came to enjoy his friends and neighbors in Peters.

Hundreds of local businesses and residents donated items and gift cards for the basket drawing. “This was the first year we had over 100 baskets,” said Lee.  Many of the baskets were valued way over $100, and silent auction items were valued at $300 and up.

A special room of silent auction items provided by Sammar Accessories included high-end costume jewelry, designer sunglasses and bags, as well as sports memorabilia and framed pictures of famous Pittsburgh Sports figures. Other silent auction items included signed footballs, artwork, a handcrafted mirror and more. The grand prize auction was a signed Sidney Crosby jersey, which easily went for more than the minimum bid.

Many local corporations showed their support by purchasing tables and inviting guests and employees. Others sponsored the program or provided service, such as , who donated floral arrangements for the event.

 contributed by charging a minimum for space and made up for it with the cash bar. Lucarelli Jazz provided jazz music for entertainment and dancing.

A huge contribution that led to the success of the event was made by the volunteers on the committee. The entire event was planned and coordinated by 12 dedicated volunteers who started last fall getting donations for the baskets and securing food vendors.  

“Everybody does it from the heart for the love of the library and Mrs. Lee,” said Verlato. Committee members included Harry Verlato, chairman; Margaret Verlato, vice chairwoman; Carol Adler; Judith Adler-McNutt; Nan Campbell; Debbie Carso; Louise Foster; Shirley Hardy; Jackie Jones; Joanne Robinson; Barbara Schnabel; and Lee.

“I feel so privileged that the local people support the library,” said Lee, who has been  and was instrumental in bringing the library to this area, as well as the enhancements made over the years.

“I want to thank so many people for this event," she said. "I am so grateful for everyone who supports the library including restaurants, businesses, vendors, the committee and all of the neighbors in Peters Township who enable us to do more for the community.”

2012 Taste of the Township food vendors included: 

Angelo’s Restaurant

Bella Sera Catering

Bethel Bakery

Calabria’s at Frosty Valley

Cambria Suites Reflect Bistro and Bar

Edible Arrangements

Freddie’s II

Jackson’s

King’s Restaurant

Texas Roadhouse

Corporate, table, program and patron sponsors included: 

The Almanac/Suburban Living

Columbia Gas

Hardy Enterprises

The Washington Hospital

Campbell Insurance

CentiMark Corporation

Charleroi Federal Savings Bank

First National Bank of PA

Gullborg Insurance, Inc.

MRO Industrials

St. Clair Hospital

West Penn Allegheny Canonsburg Hospital

Zacharia & Brown

Did you attend this year's Taste of the Township? Were you a vendor, or a sponsor? What did you think? Tell us in the comments.

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