Edible Extravaganza, the main fundraiser for the Center for Human Services, returns for the 33rd year on Sept. 12 with a host of restaurants, caterers, bakers, confectioners, vintners, beverage purveyors and local growers that the area has to offer.
The event will feature a courtyard reception for all ticket holders from 5 to 6 p.m. with music provided by Vanessa Valencia. During that hour, First Taste VIP Admission guests get to sample the food and drinks on the main floor before anyone else. Plus, they have access to an exclusive reception throughout the evening with special dishes, drinks and live music only available to them.
The doors to the main event will open to the public at 6 p.m., with live music in the courtyard by Koala and the Golden Boy. All guests will get to enjoy samplings of signature dishes and wines created by over 50 of the area’s best restaurants and wineries. Local band US4LOVE will perform live music in the courtyard from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Larry Rivera and Andy Lopez are co-owners of Mango Crazy, and have been providing tasty samples of their menu at the Edible Extravaganza for the last four years. Twice they have been named Best in Show at the event and are looking to recapture the title with some inventive twists using fresh fruits and seasonings.
“It’s so much fun and different from anything else in the Valley,” Rivera said about his experiences at Edible Extravaganza.
Some of the participating vendors are: Skewers Kabob House, Fiscalini Cheese, Fuzio Universal Bistro, Mango Crazy and many more! New to Edible Extravaganza this year are Mocha Magic Café & Bake Shop, Burger IM and Fresh Fork Grill.
Edible Extravaganza is presented by Center for Human Services, a private, local, non-profit agency, celebrating 49 years of service to Central Valley youth and families. Programs operated by Center for Human Services include: Hutton House and Pathways, shelter programs for homeless or in-crisis youth and young adults; Family Resource Centers; Community Counseling Services; Student Assistance Program and more.
Last year the Edible Extravangza attracted more than 1,400 guests. On average it grosses more than $100,000, with the net proceeds going to support the work of the Center for Human Services.
“It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also raises friends, because it exposes so many people to the work of the Center,” said Courtney Morse, the Center’s marketing specialist.
Edible Extravaganza has underwriting sponsors of: Andreini and Company, Save Mart Supermarkets, Valley First Credit Union and Modesto Subaru.
Limited First Taste VIP Admission Tickets are $100. General admission tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.centerforhumanservices.org/edible, at the Center for Human Services Modesto office at 2000 W. Briggsmore Ave. or by calling the office at 526-1476. There are a few spaces still open for those businesses interested in being vendors or sponsors for the event.
