Here’s a Tasty Way to Help Special-Needs Adults
JF&CS' 19th annual The Tasting takes place May 17 in Buckhead to support its Independent Living Program.
For 19 years running, Pearlann and Jerry Horowitz have organized a culinary event to support metro Atlanta’s adult special needs community.
The Tasting returns Thursday, May 17, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead to benefit Jewish Family & Career Services’ Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program.
The Tasting raises money and awareness about the work being done for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s event co-chairs are Amy Rosen and Arin Tritt.
Rosen has been a JF&CS board member since 2013. She has chaired other JF&CS events, including the 2016 Community of Caring luncheon.
“The Tasting is my favorite event each year. The Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program is the perfect cause to bring the whole community together,” Rosen said. “We can support this nonsectarian program in our community while tasting food from over 20 top Atlanta restaurants, sampling liquors and wines, and bidding on unique auction items. The ZHILP residents will be there, and it’s a great chance to meet the people you are helping while enjoying a great event.”
Tritt has been a JF&CS board member since 2015 and worked with the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program as a case manager.
“I’m so honored and proud to be chairing this wonderful event with Amy Rosen again this year,” Tritt said. “It is a spectacular evening of wine, food and auction, and everyone involved should be commended and celebrated for helping individuals with developmental disabilities live independently.”
The event attracts a variety of people from across the community, Tritt said.
People at The Tasting mingle around the room and sample food and drinks from such Atlanta mainstays as Bistro Niko and La Grotta Ristorante. South African restaurant 10 Degrees South, upscale Thai from Nan Thai Fine Dining and Inman Park Indian from Amara are among the local gems participating.
Steaks, seafood and Southern fare are also on the menus prepared by two dozen restaurants.
As for beverages, 200 wines and spirits are on tap to sample, and sober mixologist Cole Just is offering several sober mixed drinks.
The Tasting last year raised $210,000 for the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program, which helps adults with developmental disabilities live, work and socialize independent of family members. The services include transportation to medical appointments, work and social outings.
“Our fundraising goal is to reach the stars,” Pearlann Horowitz said. “Needs continue to grow as many individuals need more attention and services in older age.”
Horowitz said it has become increasingly difficult to find qualified people to work in the program.
In addition to wellness checks that include blood pressure and medication, program participants receive guidance on exercise, sleep, nutrition, therapies and meditative practices like yoga.
What: The Tasting
Where: Grand Hyatt Atlanta, 3300 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17
Tickets: $100; www.thetasting.org
comments