Oh What a Night!

Taste of the Valley 2008 was an amazing success!

Over 250 people joined us for a festive evening of great food, music -- and an exciting silent auction! We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the participating restaurants, our sponsors, those you donated items for the auction and the event, and all of the individuals who came out and supported us by buying tickets and purchasing auction items. THANK YOU!

It is also our pleasure to announce to 2008 winners....

• Best Presentation - Sage American Grill
• Best Appetizer - The Whistle Stop
• Best Dessert - du' Glace Bistro & Patisserie
• And taking home the Taste of the Valley commemorative fork for Best Overall....

Sage American Grill

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS
AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS, including

Dagmar's Desserts
du' Glace Bistro & Patisserie
Gabrielle's
The Ivory
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station
Sage American Grill
The Whistle Stop Cafe

THANK YOU AGAIN for all our support --
especially our sponsors and contributors

The Clark Group
Whelen Engineering
Shore Publishing
Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe & Associates
Bogeart Construction
New Alliance Bank
Wachovia Securities
Hi-Rel
Maple Self-Storage
CIEL Printing
Eastern Rentals
The Shiny Lapel Trio
Dunkin' Donuts in Deep River

Enjoy the pictures and if you took pictures and are interested in sharing them with us, send them to ttysb@aol.com. If you purchased a silent auction item and were not able to pick it up on Friday night, call the office at (860)526-3600 and arrange a time to pick up your item. If you have suggestions for how to improve our event or are interested in joining our committee for 2009, please post a comment here or call (860)526-4445.

We look forward to having you join us next year - for Taste of the Valley 2009.

AMAZING Silent Auction!

We are SO happy to report that we have over 85 (!!!!!!!!!!) auction items that will be available for bidding on Friday night. Given that we have so many great items, we will be trying something new Friday night -- each silent auction table will close at a different posted time -- to be sure that EVERYONE takes something home!

The full list will be an insert in your program -- but here some highlights from each category!

For Family & Friends: Killington Weekend, Feast Dinner Club, Peek-a-Booquets, A Private Tour of the Chester Firehouse, Dinner at du Village in Chester, $100 gift certificate at Camp Hazen, 3 $15 off gift certificate for school pictures from Joseph's, Microsoft Student Office & Encarta, A greek dinner for 6, a party for 6 at the Clayhouse

For the Home: A 50% off discount at Leif Nilsson's gallery, a pastel piece by Jil Nelson, a discount off a wall mural in your home by Rick Silderberg, a discount off a painting by David Brown, a gorgeous bird house, a plate from Ceramica, a basket from the Gilded Pear, lanscaping services, and two antique boudoir lamps

Jewelry: Pieces from Tracye Mueller, watches from Celebrations, handmade earrings and pin by Lori Lenz, pearl earrings from DePaula Jewelers, and more!

Pamper Yourself (or someone you love!) & Health & Wellness: A one hour in-home massage, a Mary Kay basket, a leather pocketbook from Scotland, a canvas bag from Scencibles, life coaching sessions, gym memberships, a spray-tanning session, and haircuts galore!

Experience the River Valley: Dinner at the River Tavern, a 1/2 hour flight for 3 people from Chester Airport, Essex Steam Train for a family of 4, Bunch for 2 at Water's Edge, Goodspeed Opera Tickets, and restaurant gift certificates from up and down the Valley and Shoreline!

For the Enthusiast: A crystal murano necklace from Angies,
binoculars, lunch & kayaking from the Villager, a sunset cruise of Selden's Creek for 4, a life jacket, cookbooks from Homeworks, a beer basket, a coffee & tea basket, a seafood cooking basket, a basket for your favorite dog -- and more!

AGAIN, we cannot thank our local businesses, artisans, and individuals enough for the overwhelming generousity to Tri-Town Youth Services - and for supporting our event. Please come -- and bid -- and have a great time! See you on Friday!