April 7, 2010 > Kidango's 15th Annual Taster's Showcase Kidango's 15th Annual Taster's Showcase By Miriam G. Mazliach Photos By courtesy of Kidango Tantalize your taste buds by nibbling on tasty delicacies and imbibing delicious wines, or bid on exclusive auction items and mingle with the crowd at Kidango's 15th Annual Taster's Showcase, Sunday, April 18. As one of Kidango's largest fundraising events of the year and the economic downturn hitting the non-profit sector and affecting services, Kidango knows it is important, now more than ever, to find other financial means of raising essential funds. A child development agency with 38 centers in the region, Kidango has served the needs of young children up to the age of five, for over 30 years. It assists 2,500 low to moderate income children through a variety of programs and services which include infant care, preschool, school age support, Head Start, early intervention, mental health and family/ child home education programs. "Kidango is facing a deficit due to State budget cuts," says Director of Development and Communications, Camille Llanes-Fontanilla. "We are reaching out to the community for support. Ticket sales are down and we are less than half-way to reaching our goal of $75,000." Llanes-Fontanilla also adds that sponsorship opportunities are still available as are spots for restaurants and vendors at the Taster's Showcase. Donations of in-kind items for the auction are gladly appreciated. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit local kids. To date, restaurants, wineries and vendors participating in Taster's Showcase are: BJ's Restaurant & Brewery, Burrito Loco Taqueria Express, Chouinard Vineyards, Elliston Vineyards, El Patio Original, Extreme Pizza, Falafel Etc., Fenestra Winery, Gateway Fundraising, Gelato Classico, Karen's Kitchen, Ola's Coffee, Tea & Equipment, The Pampered Chef, Papillon, Spin-A-Yarn Restaurant, Super Suppers, Thomas Coyne Winery, Trader Joe's, and Vida Y Vino. Attendees will receive unlimited tastings of a vast array of food and beverages. Musical entertainment, throughout the event, will be provided by jazz guitar soloist, Jamey Smith. Auction items include: a Caribbean Cruise, winery, brunch and museum packages, Oakland A's tickets, fabulous trips, artwork, fun baskets, and much more. Don't miss out on what promises to be a memorable event! Advance tickets can be purchased by calling (510) 897-6912 or mailing/visiting the Kidango Administrative Office, Taster's Showcase Tickets, 44000 Old Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. Kidango's 15th Annual Taster's Showcase Sunday, April 18 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Fremont Marriott 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont Tickets: $35 in advance or $45 at the door. (510) 897- 6912 www.tastersshowcase.org