Looking to quench your thirst with good beer and wine, along with satisfying your stomach with food from your favorite trucks, all while supporting a good cause? Then stop by The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica this Saturday, August 6 from 2-6pm for their first Toast & Taste event!

I spoke with Jennifer Vides, Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica, to learn a little more about Toast & Taste.

Voice of Santa Monica (VOSM): How did Toast & Taste come about?

Jennifer Vides (JV): Toast & Taste was created out of a brainstorming session, explained Jennifer, who joined the Boys & Girls Club last fall. We wanted to create a fundraising event that was affordable and a lot of fun. This event will be hosted by Club Blue which is a volunteer committee comprised of young LA professionals. They set out to host events with the aim of reaching a younger community while also raising funds for the club.

VOSM: Are there any sponsors for Toast & Taste?

JV: Toast & Taste is sponsored by Yelp, Santa Monica Daily Press, Buy Local Market, and VinVillage. We’re thankful for their sponsorship.

VOSM: What percentage of the proceeds will go towards the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica?

JV: All of the money raised from admission tickets will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.

VOSM: That’s wonderful news!

JV: It is! It’s one of many reasons why we’re really excited about this event!

VOSM: Which vendors will be participating?

JV: Wine Expo, Pourtal, Brühaus, Shai Cellars, Firestone Beer, Peroni, South, The Naked Grape, One Hope Wine, and many more. (Click here to see the entire list.)

VOSM: I understand there will be some food trucks also taking part. Which ones have you lined up?

JV: Several food trucks will be in attendance, including Rebel Bite, The Grilled Cheese Truck, The Flower Truck, and Cheeseball Wagon. And we just added The Greasy Weiner earlier this week. While it should be noted that the food purchased from the trucks is separate from the admission price, all of the trucks will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club.

VOSM: How much beer and wine can an attendee sample during the event?

JV: They’re welcome to sample as much as they want.

VOSM: I would imagine that Toast & Taste is an adults-only event.

JV: This event is for adults 21 and over. However, parents are welcome to bring their children as we’ll have staff on hand to watch the children in a separate playground area while they enjoy the event. There will also be a picnic area so kids can eat with their parents.

VOSM: What else will be on tap for Toast & Taste?

JV: We will have a silent auction during the event, explained Jennifer, a graduate of The University of Miami and a diehard supporter of “The U”.  Some of the prizes up for auction include yoga classes, private training sessions, restaurant gift certificates, VIP Race Pass at LA Racing, and passes to see Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Toast & Taste is a good way to enjoy Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica, and doing so while contributing to a local club that has been an integral part of Santa Monica for over 60 years. There’s still time to purchase your ticket in advance – and save $10 off of the door price! Click here to purchase your ticket now!

Toast & Taste

Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 2pm-6pm

$29 in advance, $39 day of event

Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica

1238 Lincoln Boulevard (Between Wilshire and Arizona)

Santa Monica, CA 90401

www.smbgc.org