HVYA’s ‘primary fund-raiser’ set for Feb. 9 at Baker’s

An article by Angela Niemi    No Comments

The annual Huron Valley Taste of the Valley event, featuring fare from several west Oakland restaurants, typically raises between $7,000 and $10,000 each year for Huron Valley Youth Assistance. This year’s event is slated for Thursday, Feb. 9 at Baker’s of Milford. (Photo submitted by Judy Kiley)

Huron Valley Youth Assistance (HVYA) will be holding its 8th annual Huron Valley Taste of the Valley event on Thursday, Feb. 9, beginning at 5 p.m.

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 School District.

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

Since 2005, HVYA has been hosting the Taste of the Valley event with the aid of local restaurants, businesses, teachers, community members, and volunteers.

So far for this year, 13 local restaurants have donated food.

Highland Township Treasurer Judy Kiley, the chair of the Taste of the Valley Committee and of the HVYA board, said if any restaurants or sponsors are interested in participating but haven’t contacted organizers yet, they should call her at 248-887-3791, ext. 135, or the HVYA office at 248-676-8492.

The event will be held at Baker’s of Milford 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 offices, and at the door.

Typically, the event raises between $7,000 and $10,000 for HVYA.

According to Kiley, these funds help to enhance all the programs offered by HVYA — including scholarships for families, family education programs, and the Mentors Plus program.

“We invite anyone interested to come out,” Kiley said. “It’s always fun and is always a good event for the middle of winter. It’s a chance for a night out and to be exposed to great restaurants in area.”