(Story and photos by Julie Carasone)
Independent Living of the Genesee Region held their 5th annual “A Taste of Independence” at Batavia Country Club tonight.
What is one of the group’s biggest fundraisers, money raised tonight will go to support various programs that Independent Living offers in the Genesee Region.
According to Michelle Whitmore, Medicare Facilitated Enroller, funds will go to programs that give back to the community. They help with employment, education on how to get housing, emergency funding, bus passes, and medical equipment.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region not only services the Genesee County region, but they also service Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Throughout the year they help over 200 people gain independence with goal plans.
Some of their other programs include, Loan Closet, facilitated enrollment in Medicaid, SSI/SSDI assistance, also core services for independent living skills training, transition services, peer counseling and individual and community advocacy.
Tonight’s event was their biggest night to date, with over 20 restaurants donating food or drinks and over 125 people attending the fundraiser, it was over double the amount compared to last year’s event.
“With many new restaurants opening up in the area they were eager to participate in tonight’s festivities and were just as excited as we were to participate,” says Whitmore.
Participants for this years event were, The Wild Rican, Eden Café, Eli Fish, Creekside Tavern & Inn, D&R Depot, LB Grand, Capish Pizza, Mooney’s, Subway, TF Browns, The North Pole, Tops, Wegmans, Tully’s, Yancy’s Fancy, Sanzo and Sons Beverage Co., Batavia’s Original, Black Creek Cidery, Center Street Smoke House, Ken’s Charcoal Pits and Barb-Q, Big Pauly’s Pizza, Fishtales Hideaway, Farmers Wife and KMC Custom Cakes
“We would like to thank the community. They really stepped up to the plate when we asked for them to help. We were able to try new foods and drinks and raise money for our organization and we cannot thank them enough”.