VALDOSTA — With a philanthropic palate, the Valdosta Quota Club will feed its craving to benefit community organizations with the 24th Annual Taste of Valdosta. 

A food and wine sampling event, the Taste will be hosted 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.

Proceeds will largely benefit the Southside Recreation Center and the South Georgia House of Hope. Other local charities will also benefit from funding.

“We see there’s a need in our community and we have a heart for service,” said Maureen Collins, Quota president. “We’re just trying to give back to our community.”

Southside is a recreational facility that serves the needs of youth, said Eileen Trantham, a Quotarian.

“We wanted to contribute and help them help these kids that they work with after school on various activities,” she said.

House of Hope is a Christian home that assists women dealing with alcoholism, addiction and abuse.

“We wanted to be able to help the women who are fighting drugs or who are alcoholics,” Trantham said. “We just thought they were worthy of some help.”

Participating restaurants are HoneyBaked Ham, Angel Cakes, Olive Garden, DuMealz, Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Outback Steak House, Smallcakes Cupcakery, Jack’s Chophouse, Sam’s BBQ, Stoner’s Pizza Joint, Louie Smalls, Aramark and Cinnaholic.

Chick-Fil-A will provide beverages, and Danny and the Jets will perform live music. There will also be a cash bar.

A silent auction will be available for guests with items such as jewelry, gift certificates and cakes.

Advanced tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Brooker Insurance – 1808 Jerry Jones Drive – and Synovus Bank – 3650 Inner Perimeter Road. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Call (229) 245-5515 for more information. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1255.