Story & Photography Provided
The Carmel Education Foundation is preparing for the 20th annual Taste of Carmel on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 502 East Event Centre. This sell-out community event, with a “Starry Nights” theme this year, raises funds to support students, educators and families in Carmel Clay Schools.
Featuring more than 40 local eateries, distilleries, caterers, wineries and breweries, guests will also have the opportunity to win a diamond necklace commemorating the upcoming solar eclipse, designed exclusively for Taste of Carmel by Indy Facets, one of two Pedego electric bikes, or a full VIP package for 10 guests for the 2025 Taste of Carmel event. Raffle tickets are $40 each or three for $80. Complementing the raffle is a silent auction that is considered the best of the best, featuring a private planetarium package, a Costa Rica trip for eight, many local experiences and packages, and an array of unique items from area companies.
Joining Jeff Worrell, longtime emcee and foundation advocate, is Jack Russell, president of OneZone. The two will share foundation highlights with guests, and recognize restaurants and the incredible sponsors who make this event top-notch. A special thank-you to our premier sponsors, which include State Bank, CoasterStone, 185 Promotions, Fanning Howey, the City of Carmel, and Ed Martin Automotive.
Individual tickets are $100. State Bank First Taste VIP Party tickets are $200, which includes early admission to the main event, entertainment, a unique attendee gift, exclusive small plates from Kahn’s Catering, hand-crafted libations from Four Finger Distillery, Loren’s Alcohol-Free Beverages, and full-pour beer and wine selections. Additionally, for those who want to keep the fun going, the 185 Promotions Last Taste party tickets are $50, where you can dance the night away with DJ Fred Lockstar, and continue with snacks and beverages. Currently, there are five reserved tables for 10 guests, which are particularly popular, available for $1,500.
A full list, updated daily, of all participating restaurants, sponsors and auction providers can be found at tasteofcarmelindiana.com. Tickets are purchased at this site as well. Additionally, the foundation is seeking community volunteers to assist at the event – volunteers will work at half the event and enjoy the festivities for the other part of the evening. A volunteer link is on the site as well.
“Taste of Carmel is a high-energy, community-centered event with tremendous benefit,” says Jennifer Penix, executive director of the Carmel Education Foundation. “The foundation connects people in our community, and Taste of Carmel brings together – Carmel Clay Schools parents, business, civic and nonprofit leaders, culinary professionals – all in the spirit of providing incredible opportunities for our 16,000 students. Proceeds fund grade-level programs, often in conjunction with local businesses, initiatives aimed at lifelong learning, grants that bring innovation to classrooms, mental health support, and so much more. For the price of a dinner out in today’s economy, Taste of Carmel provides more food and drink than is possible to imagine, all for a great cause. We can’t wait to see you on March 8!”
The State Bank First Taste VIP Party starts at 5 p.m., reserved table seating opens at 6:30 p.m., the main event is from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the 185 Promotions Last Taste party is from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guests are encouraged to share rides or utilize ride services.
One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, the foundation has awarded over $2,100,000 in college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors, and over $850,000 in education grants to inspire lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students. The Carmel Education Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate the foundation’s mission by funding grants, awarding more than 85 scholarships annually and expanding resources for Carmel Clay Schools.
