The Options For All organization is putting on its 10th annual “Taste of Our Community” event on March 14 at BRICK in Liberty Station. This organization has set out to help those with disabilities live out their lives to the fullest. Their mission is “to create and support opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in making choices to live, work, and enjoy life in their community with dignity and respect.” The group, founded in 1985, also has services in San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Riverside counties along with San Diego, which is the largest service area.
The organization serves around 1,300 people who face challenges such as autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, hearing and vision impairments, learning and intellectual disabilities, and severe behavioral disorders, according to osidenews.com.
“Taste of Our Community is our largest annual fundraiser that raises much-need funds for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities whom we serve,” said Philanthropy Outreach Manager Kellye Buchanan in an email interview. “This year’s goal is to raise $100,000.”
The event itself has a variety of fun activities, great food, and live entertainment throughout the night. Some of these activities include tastings from local top tier restaurants, specialty cocktails, wine and beer tasting, a live and silent auction, a drawing, and even a special guest appearance from Steve Cassarino of “The Chef Roc Show.”
“Taste of Our Community” simply doesn’t repeat itself every year, as the organization hopes to partner with new restaurants, as well as maintain their continuing partnerships. “Each year, we try to change the theme to create a different ambiance for attendees,” said Buchanan. “We also try to incorporate new foods and beverages while keeping our most popular restaurants that guests look forward to each year. New this year are: Luna Grill, Jake’s Del Mar, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill, Sprouts, Cravory Cookies, Nomad Donuts, Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, and Wilson Creek.”
Options For All also has people involved in their organization who are trained to help those with disabilities. “We help a wide range of people with disabilities – people with severe behavioral disorders to those who are high-functioning,” said Buchanan. “Our Community Training Instructors teach program participants essential daily life skills, job skills, vocational readiness, and social/interpersonal relationship skills.”
The turnout for this event is pretty remarkable as there were 200 guests last year, and organizers are expecting 250 guests for the event this year, according to Buchanan.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit optionsforall.org.
- Donde: BRICK in Liberty Station, 2863 Historic Decatur Road.
- Cuando: March 14, 6-9 p.m.
- Pricing: $100 before or $115 at the door.
