Taste of the Valley coming to Baker's in support of HVYA

Huron Valley Youth Assistance (HVYA) will be holding its seventh annual Huron Valley Taste of the Valley on Thursday, Feb. 10.

According to Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski, Taste of the Valley is the “primary fundraising opportunity” for HVYA.

“I’ve been privileged to be part of the (HVYA) board for a number of years now,” she said. “(Taste of the Valley) has turned out to be a huge hit. It really does benefit a lot of kids in the Huron Valley School (HVS) District from all the communities. It serves a very productive purpose. And I’m very pleased to be a part of it.”

HVYA — an organization committed to the mission of community involvement to prevent juvenile delinquency, neglect, and the abuse of children — provides confidential, professional casework services and community programs to meet the needs of children and families within the Huron Valley district.

Since 2005, HVYA has been hosting the Taste of the Valley event with the aid of local restaurants, businesses, teachers, community members, and volunteers. In 2010, the HVYA raised approximately $13,000 through the event, with the support and participation of 15 local restaurants and 13 sponsors.

This year’s event already has 15 local restaurants, including event host Baker’s of Milford, providing fine cuisine for the Taste of the Valley event: Comeback Inn; Main Street Grill and Tavern; 59 West; Sparkies Bar and Grill; Highland House; Ruggles Cafe; Tim Hortons of Milford; Villa Coney Island; Hector and Jimmies; Cinco Lagos; Picasso’s of Pizza; Milford House Bar and Grill; MVP; and Village Pizza and Barbeque.

This year’s sponsors include DTE; IBEX; Plante Moran; Johnson, Rosati, LaBarge, Aseltyne & Field, P.C.; Hilda E. Bretzlaff Foundation, Inc.; Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard Jr.; Flagstar Bank; and Golden’s Landscaping and Lawn Care.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Baker’s of Milford, our participating restaurants, sponsors, businesses and schools. Taste of the Valley is truly a community effort that greatly benefits local kids and families year round,” said Jessica Cronewett, a caseworker with the HVYA.

The event will be held next week at Baker’s and will feature food as well as a silent auction and raffle. The cost is $20 per ticket, which can be purchased at Highland Township and Milford Township offices, at HVYA, and at the door.

“At this part of the year, everyone starts suffering from cabin fever. This is a good opportunity to go out and have a fun-filled evening,” Pilchowski said. “It’s a great opportunity to get involved and have fun at the same time.”