Columbus sure is tasty!

12th annual Taste of Columbus

Just how does a smalltown taste? The 12th annual Taste of Columbus event was held last Thursday, July 11th at the Southern Oaks Event Center.

The event is a fun-filled evening of cooking teams made up of businesses, companies and organizations around town, competing to win the title of “best appetizer” or “best dessert.”

Attendees get to taste and vote for their favorite foods, listen to live music, participate in a live auction, silent auction and a raffle. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Champion Valley.

Over 100 people were in attendance enjoying the night for a great cause, with over 60 different local and county donors contributing to the event.

Morgan Barten, board member and Vice President of resource and development for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Champion Valley, says the organization have “played a very important and integral role” in the Columbus community since their doors opened in 2004.

“Taste of Columbus is one of our three major fundraisers,” said Barten. “This being our 12th year just shows you how much our community supports it. Our community truly looks forward to this event and I hope to maintain their unwavering support. I would like to thank all our supporters for helping us stay true to our mission, to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”

Barten’s contributions come from a sense of interest in the “welfare” of the children in the community and believes everyone can all share their talents tohelpeachotherout. Scarlett McClelland, one of the staff volunteering at the event and an incoming freshman at Texas A&M, shared the same sentiment as Barten despite recently graduating from high school herself. McClelland says she loves being able to hang out with the kids and has always enjoyed doing service work and helping the community.

“I’ve worked service activities ever since I was in junior high,” said McClelland. “I’ve always found a good deal of pleasure helping the community. My favorite part about this organization is coming up with activities for the kids. I just love hanging out with the kids, it is so much fun and very refreshing.