$75,000 raised for Taylor ISD programs
The recent “Food Dudes” extravaganza raised nearly $75,000 with 100% of the proceeds earmarked for a classroom-grant program benefiting the Taylor Independent School District.
Now the organizers are planning their next big event in November to give a boost to local students and educators.
Meanwhile, the April 5 event at the Williamson County Expo Center, sponsored by the nonprofit Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation, marked the fifth “Food Dudes” and also had the highest attendance, said Anita Volek, the foundation’s director.
“We had right at 500 people counting guests, cooks and TEE members and volunteers,” added Volek, who also is a Taylor ISD trustee.
Thirty-seven cooks, ranging from the ranks of professional businesses to amateur chefs, volunteered their culinary talents to dish up favorite edibles in bitesize servings.
Volek described them as “awesome” and said the event could not have happened without their fare.
In addition to the eats, a raffle and auction offered wares in all price ranges, from potted plants and homemade baked goods to signed memorabilia from the worlds of sports and music.
Taylor High School welding students contributed with a portable stove and a Taylor Duck metal bench made in classes and competitions.
“Food Dudes” also highlighted a decades-old football grudge match to pump up the coffers, Volek said.
“This is the first year we did the Texas Rivalry raffle for two University of Texas/Texas A&M football tickets that were graciously donated by Keith and Marcia Hagler,” Volek said. “We made about $8,000 on that.”
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to hold its fall fundraiser, “Designer Purse Bingo,” on Nov. 1.
The event will feature 60 to 65 tables seating eight people that will sell for $1,000 each.
Two extra seats can be added to the tables for $125 apiece.
“We play 20 games of bingo, and the prizes are all designer bags. We will have several items that will appeal to men as well.” Volek said.
Tables and sponsorships go on sale in August.
For more, visit taylor educationfoundation.com.
Not all heroes wear capes — some don aprons, including the volunteer chefs at the April 5 “Food Dudes” fundraiser benefiting teachers and students of the Taylor Independent School District.
