Taste at Beach aids kids’ libraries in Hermosa Beach
by Lisa Duckers
Taste At The Beach committee chairman Bob McEachon enjoys the fruits of his labor, making his selection from a table laden with gourmet delicacies, at last year’s event.
The Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach loves to help those in need, and Sunday’s fifth annual Taste At The Beach fine wine and food extravaganza will extend a hand to the cash-strapped programs of Hermosa’s public school libraries.
The event, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center, on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue, will feature food and drink from top area restaurants and vintners, live jazz and silent auction items such as a stay in a spacious apartment in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
More than 300 people are expected to attend.
“The Taste At The Beach events really help the community” said Kiwanis member and Hermosa Beach school board member Cathy McCurdy. “Last year we raised around $10,000.”
This year the Kiwanis will focus upon libraries at Hermosa Valley School and Hermosa View School, which face trimmed hours of operation in the upcoming academic year.
“Before the cutbacks we had the libraries open before school, during school and after school, for at least seven hours a day. Because of the cutbacks we had to shorten it to three to four hours a day” said Hermosa Beach school Superintendent Bruce Newlin.
“Public and school libraries are critical to a child’s learning experience. As a community we need to be providing opportunities for learning, and that means having the library available longer during the day,” Newlin said.
“We’re expected to have good weather on Sunday. I’m excited about all the new participants and how we’re going to help another great cause right here at home,” said Taste At the Beach committee member Adrienne Slaughter.
The silent auction features items such as jewelry, silverware, paintings, fine wines, Chivas soccer tickets and a stay in a two-bed, two bath apartment in Puerto Vallarta.
Participating restaurants include Ocean Diner, Java Man, Paciugo Italian Gelato, Phuket Thai, Kona Essence, Club 705, Buona Vita Trattoria, Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ, Pinkie’s BBQ, Cantina Real, Catering by Leslie Schirle, Mediterraneo, Whole Foods, Fresh Brothers, W’s China Bistro, China Grill, Manhattan Bread & Bagel Co, Chelsea Pub & Lounge, Hudson House and Hennessy’s Tavern.
“We have such a big variety of restaurants helping us. Everything seems to get better every year,” said Slaughter.
Participating vintners include Barefoot Wine, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Pemberton Fine Wines and Spirits Dust, AJB Vineyards, Classic Wines, and Stone Brewing Company. In addition to beer and wine, some of the restaurants will also be preparing special cocktails and other drinks.
Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at tasteofthebeach.com or by calling 310-318-0119. Master and Visa cards are accepted. Last year’s event sold out, organizers said. ER