More than 1,000 food-lovers are expected to attend the fund-raiser Sept. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., in Oakland.

Last year, the San Leandro-based nonprofit organization raised $180,000 to fund academic and social programs for girls in grades 2-12.

Girls Inc. offers year-round academic enrichment and skill-building programs, as well as counseling services to lower-income girls. It also develops programs for girls and young women to learn leadership, improve science and math skills, study health issues and avoid pregnancy.

This year's event will feature Girls Inc.'s newest middle school program, "Eco Girls." The program is designed to foster girls' interest in pursuing education and careers in science, technology, math and engineering through hands-on experiences.

The Eco Girls, with support from Spettro's restaurant and Estudillo Market, will prepare and serve fresh salsa made from organic tomatoes and spices.

Executive Director Pat Loomes said this is the organization's biggest fund-raising event of the year.

"We need funding as much as we've ever needed it," Loomes said. "With schools closing, counselors being cut and not as many after-school programs available, Girls Inc. offers great assistance."

For more information, call Girls Inc. at 357-5515, ext. 19.

"Women of Taste" began in 1992 with seven chefs and 300 people attending, and has grown over the years, Loomes said.

About 50 women chefs from several Bay Area restaurants, including A Citron in Oakland, Le Theatre in Berkeley, Duskie Estes of Zazu in Santa Rosa and Bambuddha Lounge of San Francisco will whip up dishes for the cause.

Chef Cricket Deetz of Spettro's in Oakland said, "Girls Inc. of Alameda County puts on a fabulous event. I love participating, because I'm doing something positive to help girls and young women right here in the Bay Area."

Several wineries such as J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Purple Wine Co., Rosenblum Cellars and Sable Ridge Winery also will be on hand to wet the whistle of partygoers.

When they complete their rounds of chefs' tables, diners will be able to dance off some of those extra calories to the music of the 17-piece Montclair Women's Big Band and the Lost Trio Quartet.

Participants also will have the opportunity to lighten their wallets by bidding on silent auction items, which include spa packages at The Claremont, vacation packages to Tuscany and tickets to baseball games.

"Women of Taste" tickets are still available for $75 in advance and $80 at the door.

Event tickets include souvenir wine glasses, food and beverage samplings. For more information, call Girls Inc. at 357-5515, ext. 19.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax##
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email