Tastebud tantalizer begins Tuesday
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on August 3, 2008 11:02 AM
The annual Taste of Wayne is set to kick off the United Way's annual fundraising drive and will be held Tuesday, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the commons on the campus of Wayne Community College.
Until 8 p.m., everything from barbecue to pastry will be available, served up by local restaurants of every type.
The competition is fierce. Bragging rights are up for grabs. Some entries are familiar faces, others will be newcomers to the competition.
The official fundraising drive will start at 5 p.m. at the clock tower on campus.
The entries in the food competition are: Brooklyn Pizzeria, China House, the Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Culligan Water, First Choice Food Services, Franklin Baking Co., JJ Ashley Bakery and Gourmet Foods, Krispy Kreme, Lane Tree Golf Course, McDonald's, Mt. Olive Pickle Co., Murphy's Place, Pepsi Bottling Venture, P&T Down Home Cooking, Pizza Inn, Royal Bangkok Thai Cuisine, Steve's Pizza Place, Wayco Ham, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Applebee's, The Flying Shamrock, Village Steakhouse and Grady's BBQ.
United Way supports a bevy of public service groups and organizations in the county. Last year, United Way raised thousands of dollars for the charities. This year's campaign theme is "United Wayne. From the heart. Here at home."
If money-raising efforts are successful, nearly 30,000 lives in Wayne will be touched in one way or another by the organization. Last year, the drive netted 96 percent of its $1.44 million goal.
Agencies or groups that receive funding from United Way undergo intense scrutiny by its board of directors to ensure that the money is being used wisely. More than 86 percent of money raised goes directly to local programs.
A video extolling the benefits of contributing to the campaign has been made, featuring local volunteers. Anyone interested in a presentation of the video or to learn more about the Taste of Wayne or the United Way campaign is urged to call 735-3591.
Tickets to the Taste must be bought in advance. They are available at the chambers of commerce in Goldsboro and Mount Olive or at the Outdoor Recreation Center at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Cost is $12 per person with children under the age of 6 admitted free.