Taste of Sewickley raises funds for KidsVoice

After a year’s hiatus, the fifth annual Taste of Sewickley to benefit KidsVoice returned on Sept. 11. The gathering raised $85,000 to support KidsVoice’s work advocating for Allegheny County children who have experienced neglect and trauma.

The dinner event was co-hosted by Sewickley area residents Chuck and Barb Moser and Greg and Susan Kaminski – Chuck Moser and Greg Kaminski serve on the KidsVoice board of directors. It was organized by more than 20 volunteer chefs and servers from the Sewickley community.

“KidsVoice represents some of the most vulnerable children in Western Pennsylvania,” said KidsVoice executive director Scott Hollander in a news release. “To have this talented team of volunteers and amazing community come together year after year to support us makes such an impact in the lives of our clients.”

This year’s event drew 65 guests who enjoyed a carefully curated eight-course menu accompanied by wine pairings and a matching signature cocktail outdoors in the beautiful, tiered garden at the Mosers’ home. New this year was a breathtaking performance by Elizabeth Edwards, a talented Bell Acres cellist who is entering her third year at The Juilliard School.

Taste of Sewickley has grown over the years. In its inaugural year in 2016, Taste of Sewickley was a much smaller event, raising $17,000.

The meal was inspired by the food and travel show, “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.” Courses included arancini (stuffed rice balls), radiatori amatriciana (tomato sauce, cured meat and cheese over pasta and adorned with fresh greens), pesce giacomo (glazed sea bass with a Milanese herb sauce), bistecca alla fiorentina (char-grilled, Tuscan-style steak), salads, gourmet meats and cheeses, homemade cannoli and artisan breads and much more.

“All of the guests and volunteers are our family, friends and neighbors — so it’s like a really big dinner party,” said Edgeworth resident and volunteer Christian Stampfel. “It brings us joy to serve those who have so generously contributed to the support of the voiceless youth in the Pittsburgh area.”

Sponsors of this year’s Taste of Sewickley event were Charles Schwab, Huntington Bank and Presidio.