Events in Surprise: Taste of Surprise supports Benevilla

March 19, 2018

Benevilla announced it was chosen as one of 9 charities to be a recipient of net proceeds raised from the Taste of Surprise event hosted by the Rotary Club of Surprise held April 7, 2018.

The Taste of Surprise, now in its fifth year, will be held again in Surprise Stadium.  It is the signature annual fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Surprise.  Over 1200 people attended the Saturday night event last year which runs from 4PM to 9PM.  This year there will be over 45 restaurants sampling incredible and diverse cuisine from the Surprise area including Birt’s Bistro at Benevilla.  Multiple beverage gardens will highlight a selection of the best local craft beers and wines. There will be a special VIP area as well as a live auction area and sponsor displays.

This year’s event features seven live bands performing throughout the evening as well as dance troops, live exhibits, and a magician.  “There are going to be more things happening all at once than you could possibly see in one night,” said Chris Judd, Chairman of the event. “We have jammed 15 hours of performances into a 5-hour window.”  Ear Candy is the headline band.

The net proceeds of last year’s event totaled $40,000 and were donated equally among 5 local nonprofits: Benevilla, One Step Beyond, A New Leaf, Surprise Youth Foundation and The Rotary Club of Surprise Community Foundation.

“Thank You to the Rotary Club of Surprise for their commitment to the community and their ardent support of nonprofits like Benevilla,” said Julie Chavez, Food & Beverage Manager at Birt’s Bistro, who has participated in the Taste of Surprise since its inception. “Last year’s event was amazing.  It has really grown into an incredible showcase of our community food scene and it just keeps getting better.”

Benevilla will be using this generous donation to support their Free Home Services program.  This vital community program provides older adults and home bound seniors, with limited resources and options, assistance to help them maintain their independence.  These free services include: grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, personal business assistance, handyman services, friendly visitors and phone pals and are all provided by friendly Benevilla volunteers.