'Taste of the Arts' - a benefit for Theatre of Western Springs

The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) presents the 7th annual extravaganza of food and fun titled, “Taste of the Arts,” from 6:30 – 11 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton.

Guests can sample exceptional cuisine from some of the area’s finest restaurants along with fine wines, beers and beverages. With the price of admission - $50 in advance, $60 at the door - all beer, wine and soft drinks are included in the price of admission.

“Taste of the Arts” will take place on the large patio in front of the theatre with activities going on indoors and outdoors. Silent and live auction items number close to 100. Actors and actresses of the Theatre of Western Springs will be working the event to ensure a successful evening.

“This event is for the community,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller of Indian Head Park, chair of the TWS board of governors. “It’s our chance to host a beautiful summer party as a way of thanking patrons and introducing newcomers to our theatre. Everyone is welcome.”

To date, participating restaurants include:
•    Events by Tommy R’s, Hinsdale
•    Davanti Enoteca, Western Springs
•    Café Salsa, Countryside
•    Mécénat Bistro, Western Springs
•    The Chew Chew, Riverside
•    Emilio’s Tapas, Hillside
•    Francesca’s Bellezza, LaGrange
•    Now Serving Cafe, LaGrange
•    Whole Foods Market, Hinsdale
•    Tate’s Ice Cream, LaGrange

Silent auction items are bigger and better than ever such as an instant wine cellar valued at $650. Many fabulous items will be up for the live auction including an autographed STYX guitar.

There’s also a Grand Raffle with tickets available now and at the event. They are $10 each or three for $25. The winner need not be present. The prizes include:

•    1st prize is $1,000 toward airfare and a one week Royal Aloha vacation to Hawaii, Spain or Mexico, or domestically to Arizona, Lake Tahoe or Branson;
•    2nd prize: Two nights at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, IL;
•    3rd prize: dinner for four with wine pairings at Vie Restaurant in Western Springs.

“‘The Taste of the Arts’ has become a staple for the Theatre of Western Springs, and each year the event features new cuisine, live entertainment, and wonderful auction items,” said Martha Niles of Chicago, chair of the event. “Not only is the event a fabulous deal and fabulous fun, it is our largest fundraiser. This event helps make it possible for the western suburbs to have amazing theatre at great prices.”

A not-for-profit organization founded in 1929, TWS receives no subsidized monies of any kind. Rather, it depends on subscriptions, single ticket sales, tuition, donations and fundraisers.

The mission of the Theatre of Western Springs is to entertain, to educate, and to inspire across the generations through the art of live theatre.

Since 1946, the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs (CTWS) has been providing comprehensive theater education. Students from 1st grade through high school enjoy a broad curriculum that encompasses acting, voice, dance and movement, stagecraft, play writing, directing and technical theater. More than 400 students are enrolled.

Again, tickets to Taste of the Arts are $50, $60 at the door, and the public is invited. Raffle tickets can also be purchased in advance. Call 708-246-4340 or visit http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com.