Taste of Downtown tickets go on sale Saturday

Preparing for their 13th annual Taste of Downtown fundraiser June 17, Advocates to End Domestic Violence is hoping for a banner year.

"We hope to make $30,000 from this year's event," said Lisa Lee, executive director of the group.

"It's the biggest 'Taste' we've every produced through the number of participants and bands."

Advocates to End Domestic Violence operates a 51-bed shelter and provides a wide variety of services designed to protect and support battered women and their children in the community.

Each year the event has sold out. This year, 1,700 tickets will be available Saturday, and Lee said they have started a waiting list.

"If someone wants to call us and reserve tickets, we will take their name and daytime phone number. When the tickets are available, they can be picked up."

Tickets are $30 each and are available at Classy Seconds Thrift Store at 411 Hot Springs Road; Sugar Pine Cove, 1087 S. Carson St., or by calling the Advocates' office at 883-7654.

"What they get for their $30 is, a taste at any and all of the 28 participating food vendors, nine live bands situated near Red's 395 Grill, on East Eighth Street, West Third Street, West Second Street, at Telegraph Square, South Curry Street, Molly's Catering (West John Street), the Laxalt Building and Comma Coffee," Lee said.

Lee said all locations will be selling beverages. And, some of the "tastes" are drinks.

"It's a food and refreshment competition," she said.

The group's mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where domestic violence victims can re-examine their view of themselves and work toward a violence-free future. All money raised during the event will go back into the shelter programs.

"We will have an information booth on the legislative lawn, mementos, and we have eight sponsoring agencies this year: AAA Insurance; Cactus Jacks; Nevada Appeal; Carson City Redevelopment, Empire Golf; VC Tours; American Family Insurance, and Syncon Homes."

Lee said awards will be given in several categories: People's choice; best atmosphere; best taste; best overall; best discovery; best shop; and best band. Also, 14 businesses downtown will remain open during the event, with each holding an individual raffle.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

If you go

WHAT: Taste of Downtown

WHEN: June 17, 5:30-9 p.m. tasting; band on Third Street until midnight

WHERE: Downtown Carson City

COST: $30 per ticket; available Saturday at Classy Seconds Thrift Store at 411 Hot Springs Road; Sugar Pine Cove, 1087 S. Carson St., or by calling the Advocates' office at 883-7654.