AUBURN - This benefit gives a whole new meaning to the phrase sampler platter.

The 11th annual Taste for Community Action allows attendees to roam the Holiday Inn's ball room and poolside tasting menu items from nearly 20 restaurants and products from 16 wineries and breweries.

The benefit marks the major fundraiser of Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency Inc.

Taylor Price and Chris Bauso will perform blues, folk and rock songs throughout the night. The local duet plays the acoustic guitar and bass.

Employees of the agency heard of other wine tastings in the area and decided to create a fundraiser that would take advantage of the local wineries and restaurants. The benefit caught on, and has become more successful over the years, financial officer Mindy VanLiew said.

Last year, the group raised $12,000 to help fund the agency's programs to assist people in becoming self-sufficient.

Organizers expect 550 locals and visitors to peruse the selections and sample the delights of Auburn cuisine.

This is one of the only events in the city that has vineyards and eateries coming together in a single room, said Theresa Walsh, director of supportive services.

Some sponsors have donated products and time nearly every year, and a few such as Holiday Inn, King Ferry Winery and Lasca's have been in it for the long haul - all 11 years.

“We benefit from ticket sales but I hope people recognize the businesses and chose to patronize them,” Walsh said. “It's a huge commitment for them.”

The proceeds go toward the different programs the private, not-for-profit agency operates. Organizers use the funds to provide people with items and services that government funding may not cover.

“Our programs have a strict use of money, so if there's something that comes up we need to have that flexible funding. We may have to pay for someone's security deposit or work clothes and there's no funding allocated for (those things),” Walsh said.

She hopes to continue to improve people's lives. Walsh estimates the organization assists between 3,000 and 4,000 people a year.

When she first started 11 1/2 years years ago, Walsh assisted a woman who had left her physically abusive husband. Walsh brought the woman, her four children and all the clothes they could carry to the domestic violence shelter during the night while the woman's husband was at work.

Walsh takes inspiration from the woman's strength and perseverance that allowed her to earn a nursing degree while working and raising her children.

“I feel the work I do is a privilege,” Walsh said.

While the benefit allows residents and visitors alike to explore and take pride in surrounding businesses, Walsh points to the community's big heart for why the fundraiser is a success.

“I think people do take into consideration what the benefit is for and that is important to people,” Walsh said. “They know it's a great cause and a great time.”

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net

If you go

What: Taste for Community Action

When: 5 to 8 tonight

Who: The Cayuga/Seneca

Community Action Agency

Where: Holiday Inn, 75 North St.

Cost: $35 at door; Advance tickets: $30, available at Holiday Inn, Community Action Agency, 25 State St., and Auburn Discount Liquor, 21 Seminary St.