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Public is invited to United Way of Portage County’s BIG event:
The 2^nd annual, county-wide “Gourmet Gala”  

Hosted by Deluxe Corporation and sponsored by Meaden & Moore,
The event will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Party Center in Aurora

RAVENNA, OHIO—Deluxe Corporation of Streetsboro will host United Way of Portage County’s 2^nd annual Gourmet Gala, which takes place on Sunday, April 13, 2008, from 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Party Center in Aurora, 342 S. Chillicothe Road (across from Aurora Premier Outlets).  The Gourmet Gala, the only countywide food tasting event, is a fundraiser to benefit United Way of Portage County and the local agencies it serves. [NOTE: see complete list of agencies below.]

The elegant soiree is made possible this year through the generous sponsorship of Meaden & Moore, a regional accounting and business consulting firm based in Cleveland, Deluxe Corporation and Record Publishing Company.

Reservations are strongly suggested because space is limited; only 350 tickets will be sold.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be obtained by calling United Way’s offices (330-297-1424, ext. 110). 

Guests will enjoy a myriad of culinary delights prepared and served by the county’s leading restaurants and chefs [see list of restaurants below]. The affair will include a silent auction, raffle prizes and a cash wine bar provided by ThornCreek Winery of Aurora.  A highlight of the afternoon will be the announcement of United Way of Portage County’s 2007 campaign results and the introduction of representatives of its partner agencies [see list of agencies, below].  

Mouth-watering appetizers, entrees and desserts will be the order of the day.  Participating restaurants, bakeries and food vendors include:     
    Bistro/Mangiamo (Kent)
    First Chop (Ravenna)
    Giant Eagle (Ravenna)
    Harry & David’s (Aurora)
    Honey Baked Ham (Streetsboro)
    Joann’s Cakes (Streetsboro)
    Karen’s Bakery (Streetsboro)
    LeGourmet Chef (Aurora)
    Pufferbelly Restaurant (Kent)
    Rusty Nail (Twin Lakes)
    Thorn Creek Winery (Aurora)

Kathy Baker, director of marketing for United Way of Portage County, states:  “We are very excited about our second-annual Gourmet Gala.  Last year’s event was a smash hit, and we are eager to welcome even more of our friends and neighbors from throughout Portage County this year.  We invite everyone to mix, mingle and enjoy the delicious edibles that will be served.  We thank Meaden & Moore, Deluxe Corporation, Record Publishing, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the participating food vendors, and the many companies and individuals that donated silent auction items, for their generous support.  The money raised from this event will make life better for our neighbors in need here in Portage County.”

United Way of Portage County raises money to benefit the LOCAL, front-line agencies that directly help our neighbors in need in Portage County.  United Way of Portage County’s funded partner agencies include: American Red Cross of Portage County, Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage County, Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Western Reserve Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, Children’s Advocacy Center, Community Legal Aid Services, Family & Community Services of Portage County, the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Mobile Meals, Coleman Professional Services, The Salvation Army of Portage County, and Townhall II.

Additionally, United Way of Portage County funds the United Way 211 Portage program (formerly “First Call for Help”), a free referral and information service, available to all Portage County residents, that connects families and individuals with a wide range of community resources and volunteer opportunities. 

For further information about “Portage County’s Gourmet Gala,” or about United Way of Portage County, please call the offices at 330-297-1424 or visit www.uwportage.org.  United Way of Portage County:  We’re all in this together.  And together we can transform lives, right here at home.

Want to give back to your community? Make a pledge.

United Way, 218 W. Main Street, P. O. Box 845, Ravenna, OH 44266
steve@uwportage.org, Phone: 330-297-1424, Fax: 330-296-3813