Taste of Shelby County to support education grants

by

It’ll be a food fanatic’s fantasy on Sept. 10 when the 8th annual Taste of Shelby County takes place at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center off U.S. 280.

More than 30 vendors —including restaurants, caterers, and local wineries and breweries — will take part in the event benefiting the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, said foundation director Kendall Williams.

“The Taste of Shelby County is growing annually and our sponsorship is really increasing, so we expect about 500 people at this year’s event,” Williams said.

Dishes will range from seafood to steak to Italian and most everything in between “with lots of desserts,” Williams said. Some local vendors include Taziki’s Mediterranean, The Coal Yard, Rx Catering, K& J’s Elegant Pastries, Wooden Spoon and Bistro proVare from Jefferson State Community College. Birmingham Coca-Cola, Good People Brewing and Ozan Vineyards and Cellars will be among the drink vendors.

 “The culinary arts students from the Shelby County system will take part for the first time, preparing several of their own dishes,” she said.

All proceeds will be used for the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation’s programs that benefit the school system, including grants for teachers, principals and newly created student grants.

According to Williams, individuals can apply for up to $500 and groups up to $1,000.  A foundation committee reviews all requests.

“Students might seek money for robotic team materials or lighting or costumes for theater groups, while individual students might apply for advanced placement exam fees or dual credit/duel enrollment fees to get college credit,” she said. “The possibilities are endless and I’m excited to see what students come up with.”

Chris George, chief deputy of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and member of the education foundation, attended the Taste of Shelby County for the first time last year.

“I tell you, you get the best of several worlds — the best food in the area, a great environment complete with music and the opportunity to meet so many people,” George said. “They had so many restaurants that I didn’t even know existed and I’ve visited several since then.”

George said he encourages people to attend to take part in a wonderful time but also to support a good cause.

“The Taste of Shelby County is one of the primary events that allowed the foundation to award about $40,000 in teacher and principal grants that assist with classroom and school projects,” he said. “My sister-in-law is a teacher so believe me, I know that every little bit counts.”

To learn more about the Taste of Shelby County or to purchase tickets, go to shelbyedfoundation.org/taste.html.

Taste of Shelby County