Taste of Wilkes: A Flavorful Tradition of Community and Giving Back

Taste of Wilkes: A Flavorful Tradition of Community and Giving Back

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There's something special about sharing a favorite dish with friends or family. For 15 talented chefs, the 32nd Annual Taste of Wilkes event on Nov. 12 offered the perfect opportunity to showcase their culinary skills to the Wilkes community.

Taste of Wilkes is best described as a potluck where Wilkes faculty and staff "chefs" bring a crowd-pleasing dish in hopes of being crowned one of the winners in a vote by their colleagues who attend the event. It's always held in November in advance of the holiday season to kick-off the United Way of Wyoming Valley's campaign.

All proceeds from Taste of Wilkes benefit the United Way of Wyoming Valley, which also includes Wilkes' SHINE program.

"Support from local institutions like Wilkes University is vital because it reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in our community. These partnerships enable us to make a significant impact, addressing critical needs such as education, financial stability and health," said Yvette Magistro, vice president of resource development for the United Way of Wyoming Valley. "Wilkes University plays a key role in shaping the future, and their ongoing support exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving sustainable change. We believe the best pathway out of poverty is through education."

In order to incur a minimal cost, every chef donates their time, talent and treasures by preparing their own dish from start to finish. There's also a basket raffle featuring donations from departments, local businesses, and individuals. With the majority of the event being donated, this helps to maximize profits for the United Way. This year, the event raised more than $1,200.

Magistro noted that funds raised through the Taste of Wilkes event will directly support United Way programs, helping to provide essential services such as education opportunities, literacy programs, health resources, and emergency assistance for families in need.

"The event is completely upheld by the generosity of our community, whether they are contributing a dish to serve to the community, donating a basket or volunteering their time to help during the event," said Jeanne Rabel, chair of the Taste of Wilkes committee and director of specialized programs in the office of student life and success. "We couldn't do what we do without the support from our community, and this is a beloved event at Wilkes that everyone looks forward to. It is an opportunity for us to spend genuine time together, while also supporting Wilkes' partnerships and contributions to the United Way of the Wyoming Valley."

When attendees join in the event, they sample different dishes prepared by their campus colleagues, including a variety of appetizers, savory dishes, salads and sweet treats. This sampler meal may be enjoyed at the event or taken to-go. Once everyone samples their meal, they are able to vote for their favorite overall dish, savory dish and dessert.

Each year, new chefs join the lineup alongside those who have been participating for decades, like Joan Ford, library technician in the E.S. Farley Library, who has been cooking for 27 years. Ford, who enjoys cooking, prepared three dishes, while many chefs typically make just one.

"I feel participating in this event allows me to always meet and connect with my fellow co-workers. Each year I meet someone new. This year, I met Kathy Lewis. She was so very kind to help me get things set-up and even stayed to help serve for some time," said Ford. "However, the most important reason for participating in Taste of Wilkes is that it benefits the United Way which helps so many people in the Wyoming Valley."

This year's winners will be presented with an engraved Taste of Wilkes serving platter, and the 2024 winners are:

Overall winner: Janet Cussatt, Broccoli Cheddar Jalapeño Surprise
Savory dish winner: Carrie Jackson, Cranberry + Turkey Stuffing Balls
Dessert winner: Elizabeth Leo, Heavenly Fruit Dip

The planning committee meets from August until November to ensure feedback from previous years is taken into consideration, and new ideas are introduced..

"This is such a special event for a great cause, and it's a great privilege to assist in the planning and execution," said Rabel.

To support Wilkes' United Way Campaign 2024, you can learn more and donate by using the information on this year's campaign poster. If you have any questions, or are interested in joining the Taste of Wilkes Committee, please contact [email protected] or Jeanne Rabel at [email protected].