A winning 'Taste'
20th annual Essex fundraiser nets an estimated $80,000
By The Times Staff
For the 20th straight year, visitors enjoyed a "Taste of Essex" in the Essex Room at Woodman's restaurant this past weekend. And it was a sweet "Taste" indeed — raising an estimated $80,000 for the L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship Fund, organizer Wendy Viator said yesterday.
The money raised from the Taste of Essex — and the "Deck's Day for Dubbers" golf tournament that's set for Monday at Bass Rocks Golf Club — helps support two $10,000 scholarships for Manchester Essex school district students and other education-based projects. The awarding of those scholarships this year will push the Woodman fund past the $500,000 mark in providing money to students over its 20-year legacy.
Nearly three dozen vendors participated in the Taste, offering up everything including appetizers, entrees and desserts. Here's a look at some of the features.
Bethany Vahn of JR's Route 22 Restaurant hands Barry Richards lobster ravilioli at the 20th annual Taste of Essex.Mary Muckenhoupt/Staff photo(Click for larger image)
Virginia Woodman samples a soft clam from the Windward Grille at the 20th annual Taste of Essex. The theme of the night was the1920s in honor of the event's 20th year.Mary Muckenhoupt/Staff photo(Click for larger image)
Shanna Smith of Essex dips a strawberry into a chocolate fountain offered by The Cocoa Belt at the 20th annual Taste of Essex.Mary Muckenhoupt/Staff photo(Click for larger image)
