BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDE
Staff Writer
EDISON — It’s food for good education, charity and discriminating palates.
That’s how Chamber of Commerce President Gloria Dittman describes the organization’s upcoming eighth annual Taste of Middlesex 2005.
The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 4 at the Pines Manor, 2085 Route 27.
The Edison tradition is designed not only to market the cuisine of about 30 township restaurants, but also to benefit schools and community charities.
“It’s a sensational event,” Dittman said. “So many people come away with a big smile. We provide food and money to two local food pantries, the art department of a middle school and a college scholarship. Our residents are also reintroduced to the restaurants of Middlesex County.”
All the causes, she said, were big winners last year, when roughly 600 people attended the event.
For instance, $725 was handed over to Thomas Jefferson Middle School’s principal for art supplies.
“I didn’t even wait,” Dittman said. “I handed it right over to the principal. With the state cutting middle-income school budgets, help has to come from somewhere. We feel that helping with education is the best investment toward a successful business community.”
And $500 in cash was split between St. James Food Pantry, Woodbridge Avenue, and the Community Presbyterian Church Pantry, Glenville Road.
“We ask people to bring nonperishables to the event and we donate what is brought to the pantries,” Dittman said. “But last year we did so well that we were able to give some money in addition to the goods.”
The chamber also awards a year’s scholarship to a Middlesex County College student with some of the proceeds.
“And this year we’re donating book money to that student as well,” Dittman said. “Books are very expensive. Anything to help with education.”
College officials choose the student who is to benefit from the scholarship each year. There are three eligibility requirements, Dittman said. The student must be an Edison resident, a business major and have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
The money from the Taste of Middlesex event will also help pay for tutors for students in need by donating $500 to Herbert Hoover Middle School.
While some of the event’s proceeds go toward the administrative costs to run the Taste of Middlesex, most of the money goes to causes that are seen as a direct investment in the community.
Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and $25 for senior citizens over 60. Participants can sample food from each of the restaurants.
“So far, we have 30 restaurants signed up, but I’m hoping for about 40 this year,” Dittman said. “And I really would like to see about 650 attendees sign up. It’s really a great opportunity to help and get a taste of the fabulous restaurants in Edison.
Door prizes will be given away and a tea cart that was refinished by the students of the Thomas Jefferson art department will be raffled off.
The Thomas Jefferson students will also have their original recipe book on sale for $5.
“It’s such a priceless bargain,” Dittman said. “It really comes from the kids’ hearts and is a great keepsake.”