Mat-Su Taste of Hope

2nd Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope

Contributed by Annette Vrolyk, American Cancer Society

Join the American Cancer Society for the 2nd Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope: A Chefs’ Competition on Saturday, September 14th at Everett’s! This event is one of Mat-Su’s hottest up and coming culinary events featuring 3 competitions under one roof – favorite food bite, favorite cocktail, and favorite mocktail. Guests of the event will enjoy a cocktail style tasting from local Mat-Su food and beverage vendors and vote on their favorites. The 2024 competitors confirmed thus far include Palmer’s Bleeding Heart Brewery, Big Lake’s Susitna Brewing Co. (the 2023 Favorite Mocktail champion), and Wasilla’s The Grape Tap. We’ll also be joined by The Crumby Bakery who’ll be providing our VIP appetizers and desserts plus Wunderbar Cakepops & Sweets will be providing desserts for all attendees. Sure, the event may be about food, drinks, and a fun competition, but it is also an opportunity to support the American Cancer Society in Alaska.

Cancer (unfortunately) has touched everyone’s life in some way. The American Cancer Society is on a mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone! Alaska remains one of the few states in the US that lists cancer as its top cause of death. More than 80% of our state’s communities are off the road system which creates extra hardships for those that need to travel for cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society helps Alaskan cancer patients with free flights, free lodging, free emotional support, and so much more! ANYONE can call them day or night with questions or to seek help through their 24/7 toll-free number (800-227-2345) and hundreds of Alaskans did just that in 2023. Our state’s residents that needed a helping hand during their cancer journey and reached out to the American Cancer Society in 2023 also received over 100 free flights and 375 free nights of lodging at a Hope Lodge. But that’s only some of the support our friends and neighbors received last year.

As with many things, it takes community effort and financial support to ensure that these programs remain in place when they’re needed. When you attend the upcoming Taste of Hope, you will be among others wanting to make a difference, but you’re sure to have fun while doing it! From the food and beverage tastings to the silent auction and games, you’re sure to have a great evening! So, get your taste buds and wallets ready to see what the Mat-Su has to offer at the 2nd Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope on Saturday, September 14th. Visit acstasteofhopematsu.org for more information and to buy your tickets. See you there!