Lions Club, BVI Nat’l Culinary Team partner in ‘Taste & Serve BVI’ fundraiser

PRESS RELEASE: Road Town, Tortola, Monday, October 11, 2021 – The public is invited to – Taste and Serve BVI – a grand fundraising evening of gourmet canapés, perfectly paired with fine wines, and a silent auction with a range of exciting prizes.

The fundraising evening will be hosted by His Excellency the Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG, at Government House on World Food Day, Saturday, October 16, at 6:30pm.

Proceeds of the fundraiser will support community service projects organised by the Lions Club of Tortola, and the development needs of the BVI National Culinary Team as they prepare for the 2022 Taste of the Caribbean Competition in the USA.

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, a big fan of Lions Clubs from his other international assignments where he always supported the local Club, welcomed the opportunity to support both organisations. Governor Rankin said, “As an honorary Lion, I am delighted to host this community-minded event which contributes to strengthening the social fabric of the Territory and at the same time support the Territory’s culinary tourism.”

President of the Lions Club of Tortola, Kevin Fahie said, “We wanted to create an extraordinary culinary experience for the community and give them an opportunity to assist us with serving the most vulnerable in our society.”

President Fahie added, “The Club is extremely pleased to see our partnership with the BVI National Culinary Team and the Governor come to fruition, and we are confident that an excellent evening has been planned for the attendees.”

Team Captain for the BVI National Culinary Team, Tonya Malone-Smith said, “We are anxious to resume the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition. The opportunity to practice, raise funds to attend the competition and support community service was one we welcomed with open arms.”

The 10 member team normally has a series of practice dinners to sharpen their skills in preparation for the annual Taste of the Caribbean competition, where they have captured Gold at past events.

At “Taste and Serve BVI”, guests will enjoy the award-winning skills of the BVI National Culinary Team through six courses of mouthwatering canapés, perfectly paired with six fine wines donated by platinum event sponsor, Caribbean Cellars. Food and wine experts will coach attendees through each course of this culinary experience.

During the silent auction, among other items, prizes include Staycation Packages at Five Star Hotels such as Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Scrub Island Resort, Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort and Saba Rock Resort, as well as a range of experiences such as massages, professionally prepared gourmet meals, dining with the Governor, and excursion tours around the Virgin Islands. Fine art, jewellery, photography, pottery, gourmet baskets, designer handbags and other items are also part of the silent auction.

Platinum event sponsor for Taste and Serve BVI is Caribbean Cellars. Contributing sponsors include Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Scrub Island Resort, Wyndham Lambert Beach Resort, Saba Rock Resort, DJ Push Pop, Supa-Valu, OneMart Supermarket, Bobby’s Marketplace, Cleave Farrington, Driftwood Spa, Eco Adventures, Gumption Learning Adventures, House of Luxury, Khaptured Photography, Ocean Spa, Sekani, The Pottery Garden and Rae Vaughn Callwood. Interested persons can register and purchase tickets for the event by visiting https://business.bviccha.org/events/details/taste-and-serve-bvi-2732 or contact any member of the Lions Club or email [email protected].

Tickets can also be obtained from the Governor’s Office at [email protected] or email BVICCHA at [email protected]. The public can also contact (284) 541 3731 or (284) 343 6950. Masks must be worn and social distancing protocols will be strictly observed.