Sweet treat - Taste of Westland event planned

Chef Tony Paquette, at left, with others from
the William D. Ford Career-Technical Center, will
again bring desserts to the Holiday Taste Fest.

Julie Brown
Staff Writer

The Westland Holiday Taste Fest, set for 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, will offer tasty food, entertainment, an auction, raffles and more.
The event will take place at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 36375 Joy Road in Westland and proceeds will support the Westland Rotary Charities and Westland Chamber of Commerce.
Wayne County Community College District is presenting the annual social event this year, while other sponsors are also being sought. Call the Westland Chamber at (734) 326-7222 or visit the website, www.westlandchamber.com for more information.
“It's going to be a great event,” said Gretchen Heinicke, president/CEO of the Westland Chamber. The event is in its 21st year and draws some 350-450 revelers.
“The food is delicious and chef Tony (Paquette) will be there with his desserts,” she noted of the William D. Ford Career-Technical Center staffer and his Wayne-Westland students.

A children's winter clothing drive is on tap as part of Taste Fest: Donors who bring new or gently used kids' gloves, hats or boots for children ages 3 and up will be entered in a special raffle. For that raffle, Zeal Credit Union has donated a $100 gift card.
Admission to the Taste Fest is $25 per person which includes food and entertainment. There will be a cash bar.
Heinicke started at the Westland Chamber in early June, so she's particularly looking forward to the Taste Fest. “It's just continuing a great partnership between the Westland Rotary and the Westland Chamber, and to give back to the community,” added Heinicke.
“The Taste Fest is our opportunity to collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce in efforts to support our community and its needs. In addition to the social benefits that the Taste Fest event provides to people who attend, Westland Rotary's charitable foundation focuses our efforts in support of education, community projects, and local charities with funds raised,” commented John Albrecht, president of the Westland Rotary Club.
“Since service to our community is a mantra of Rotary International, the opportunity to volunteer our time in planning and presenting Taste Fest as a social evening for members of our great community is outstanding. It's always a lot of fun that night, and we get to serve our community,” he added.
Live entertainment on Dec. 3 will be by the Marsha Gayle Band. Emcees are Ralph and Kim Cabildo of RC DJ and Video.
Holiday Taste Fest sponsorships are offered at the silver, $250, gold, $500, and platinum, $1,000, levels.