FUNDRAISER — The United Way of Jefferson County held its 29th-annual Taste of Jefferson County fundraiser Wednesday evening at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville. Hundreds gathered in support of the nonprofit organization, including area residents, local businessmen and women and representatives of the 11 member agencies which are supported by the United Way. Among those in attendance were United Way board members and Taste of the County committee members, from left, Amanda Krupinski, Mary Beth Panepucci, Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford, Taylor Steeves and Gene Zyrini. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — St. Florian Hall was the place to be on Wednesday evening.

Hundreds of residents throughout the Ohio Valley attended the 29th-annual Taste of Jefferson County — the United Way of Jefferson County’s largest fundraiser of the year.

This particular fundraiser was one of — if not the — most well-attended since it was begun almost three decades ago.

United Way Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford stated she was excited for this year’s Taste of Jefferson County, noting the turnout was “amazing.”

Since taking on the role of former executive director Laura Rauch in July, this was the first Taste of Jefferson County event she was in charge of overseeing.

“We are breaking bread as a community tonight and learning what the United Way is all about,” Snyder-Crawford said. She told those in attendance they were not just enjoying a variety of foods from area restaurants, they were “investing in the future of our community.”

She commented the fundraiser is about forming a connection between residents and the 11 member agencies which the United Way supports … agencies which assist families and individuals in need of specific services every day of the year. These services include abuse support, homelessness, food assistance, youth services, disaster relief and health matters.

Many guests have not had to utilize the services of these 11 member agencies, and Snyder-Crawford felt it important that everyone knows exactly what type of help is out there for this community when times become difficult.

Representatives provided brochures and materials that discuss some of the services they offer residents, including Agencies included: A Caring Place, Child Advocacy Center; A Child’s Place CASA; ALIVE; Jefferson County Community Action Council; Smithfield Friends Church Food Pantry; W.E.B.A. Food Pantry; Toronto Services Committee; American Red Cross, Lake to River Chapter; Ohio Valley Youth Network and Sycamore Youth Center; Family and Community Services; RSVP; and the Ohio Valley Health Center.

“We are here to listen and to lead with our hearts and to make sure that no one feels left unseen,” she added. She expressed her appreciation to all of the area businesses that participated in the fundraiser.

“These restaurants and bakeries are a huge sponsorship just by being here with their food and helping us to make this event a success,” Snyder-Crawford concluded. “When we all unite together, anything is possible.”

Taylor Steeves, who began volunteering with the nonprofit in 2020, has served as a board member for the past year and a half. She said this is the third Taste of Jefferson County she has helped to organize and coordinate, and Wednesday’s event crowd was the largest she has ever seen.

Steeves said officials were expecting at least 250 people and 17 participating restaurants and eateries in addition to the 11 member agencies.

She explained there are usually between 10 to 12 businesses which take part in the annual tasting, which offer samples of some of their favorite and most popular menu dishes for guests to try.

Steeves said everyone at the United Way is appreciative to all of the local businesses which donated merchandise from their companies toward gift baskets, which were used in a Chinese auction. Some of the drawing items included a David Barnhouse painting, gift card trees, a Discovery Jewelers gift certificate, a Yeti cooler filled with items and dinner for four at Pastaio.

Among the restaurants, bakeries and food trucks in attendance was Seven Ranges Entertainment, which showcased foods from its catering and restaurant the Goat House. Offerings included goat balls, two flavors of ribs and green beans.

Some of the other businesses who participated included Undo’s, the Laurels of Steubenville, Theo Yanni’s, Cake Roll Creations, Phat Matty’s, Baby Boyz, Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern, Texas Roadhouse, A Touch of Elegance, Cheryl’s Diner, Chaisson Kajun Servuces, Downtown Bakery, EZ Fresh and Pastaio.

Phil Livingston, owner of Baby Boyz in Toronto, stated he wanted to take part in this year’s Taste of Jefferson County because he wanted to help the United Way.

“This is for a good cause,” Livingston stated, adding in doing so, it provides more exposure to his Toronto business and offers the opportunity get the word out about not only his catering service, but the opening of the Straka Hall, which is located next to the restaurant and is available for rental use.

Baby Boyz offered guests the chance to try jerk meatballs, kale greens and a brisket rice bowl.

Cheryl’s Diner in Wintersville was another business showcasing some of what the business of 18 years is offering the community. The business is owned by the mother of Haely Smith, who was there with Caleb Smith and promoting the diner is preparing to begin a mobile venture, bringing on a food truck this winter.

“We are reaching out and letting everyone know about our mobile venture,” Caleb commented. “I like to tell people we are the Ohio Valley’s greatest secret.”

Chaisson Kajun Services offered attendees a dish of chicken and sausage jambalaya with cheese sauce. The Toronto business newer to the area and those interested can visit its Facebook page to learn about the business.

In addition to the eateries, the member agencies had important messages to convey to the community, including the American Red Cross.

Sharon Kesselring, executive director of Central Appalachia Region, stated their informational table provided an update of what the Red Cross does in the community and discussed with interested guests how they can help the nonprofit.

“We need volunteers,” Kesselring stated. Those interested in donating time to help the organization can visit its website. She also told people about the free smoke alarms the red cross installs for households. The alarms do not require changing batteries and last for approximately 10 years, she said.

The nationwide program has given more than 2 million detectors to families across the United States, Kesselring noted, saying in doing so, more than 2,000 lives have been saved.