Pony Bird Inc. hopes to transform superstition into celebration by holding its biggest fundraiser of the year on Friday the 13th in March.
The 19th annual Great Taste will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Andre’s South, 4254 Telegraph Road, in St. Louis County. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by visiting events.readysetauction.com/ponybirdinc/taste26.
Pony Bird is a Jefferson County nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities by providing community living, community support services, employment and family support/leisure.
Kelly Feldmann, Pony Bird’s events and community relations manager, said the Great Taste typically attracts more than 400 guests and often sells out.
“Guests purchase a ticket, granting them the opportunity to sample delicious tapas from more than 25 local restaurants, all of whom generously donate their time and culinary delights to support our cause,” she said.
There will be a new element this year.
“Last year, we introduced a ‘Fan Food Favorite Award’ as a way to show our appreciation to the participating restaurants,” Feldmann said. “Guests voted for their favorite dish, and the winning restaurant received bragging rights and a plaque to display in their establishment. Frankie Gianino’s of Imperial took home the title last year. Since this award went over so well last year, we decided this year to add even more excitement with a Chef’s Challenge at the beginning of the evening.
“This lively competition will showcase each chef and their restaurant, adding a fun twist to the event. The winning chef will gain recognition through our post-event media coverage, making it an excellent opportunity for them to shine.”
Chefs and restaurants can sign up by contacting Feldmann at kfeldmann@ponybird.org or calling 636-282-4447 by Monday, Feb. 16. For the Chef’s Challenge, a chef will prepare an appetizer for 250 guests.
She said it must be an appetizer, and chefs will need to bring their own cutlery and may have up to two assistants to help them at the event. Creativity and presentation will be considered in judging, she said.
In addition to the dinner, guests may take part in superstition-themed activities to ward off spooky vibes, games and raffles, an open bar and auctions. Guests are encouraged to wear their “lucky attire” for the occasion.
Feldmann said the silent auction, which starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m., will feature more than 50 items. It is open to the general public and the dinner guests.
A live auction will be held for the dinner guests and will showcase sports memorabilia, vacation packages, a diamond tennis bracelet and various artwork created by individuals of Pony Bird.
For more information about the dinner and auctions, visit ponybird.org or find Pony Bird on Facebook.
Pony Bird is still looking for additional sponsors, donations and volunteers. The presenting sponsors of the event this year are Thomas Industrial Coatings and the Fasnacht Family.