Carmel Education Foundation’s Taste of Carmel will have a Starry Nights theme in celebration of the 20th year of this popular event.
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 8, 2024, and plan to purchase tickets early as it is always a sell-out affair. Featuring more than 40 local eateries, distilleries, caterers, wineries, and breweries, attendees will not leave hungry and may be lucky enough to go home with an incredible auction package or one of three raffle items.
Benefiting the Carmel Education Foundation, the State Bank First Taste VIP Party will feature exclusive auction items, a gift package, star studded credentials, a special menu and full pour cocktails. The main event has over 50 seated tables that parties of ten guests can purchase, and plenty of tall tables and alternative seating areas for all guests to enjoy. A special thank you to CoasterStone for an array of commemorative gifts all guests will enjoy.
Following the main event, DJ Fred Lockstar will spin popular hits from 9 to 11 p.m. at the second annual Last Taste party sponsored by 185 Promotions.
“Taste of Carmel has a tremendous legacy in Carmel and we are thrilled to host this event to raise funds so that we can provide resources that elevate learning and inspire all Carmel Clay students to be lifelong learners,” CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix. “Taste of Carmel is far more than a fantastic event for all guests, it is an essential element of the partnership between the foundation and the schools.”
Joining Jeff Worrell, a longtime CEF supporter and the iconic Taste of Carmel emcee, will be Jack Russell from OneZone. This dynamic duo will shine a light on the true stars of the evening: the students and teachers that the foundation supports with classroom and school resources, grants, scholarships, and hands-on learning experiences. Though the event is for guests who are 21 or older, students will definitely be illuminated throughout the evening.
Along with the featured food and libations, a raffle will be available to guests featuring: a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry handcrafted by Indy Facets, a 2025 Taste of Carmel VIP Package for 10, and a Pedego electric bike. Raffle tickets are $40 each or three for $80. Complimenting the raffle is a silent auction that is considered “the best of the best,” featuring travel packages, local experiences, CHS graduation tickets, and so much more.
Tickets to Taste of Carmel go on sale at noon on Friday, Dec. 15. Through Jan. 14, 2024, individual tickets are $75, State Bank First Taste VIP Party individual tickets are $175 (includes general admission to the main event), Last Taste tickets are $40 each, and reserved tables for 10 guests are $1,200. Reserved table guests may add First Taste VIP tickets for $50 per person and/or Last Taste party tickets for $40 per person. All ticket prices will increase on Jan. 15, 2024. Tickets may be purchased at TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com – quantities are limited.
Based on past event attendance, Penix expects a sell-out crowd, and anticipates that the reserved tables will be especially popular.
Sponsor packages, which include event tickets, are still available, as are a limited number of booths for food and beverage vendors. Additionally, companies who would like to have an experience or product featured in the auction are invited to contact Penix at foundation@ccs.k12.in.us.
Members of the planning team include CEF staff, board members, and community volunteers. Penix extends a thank you to all the local businesses who support this event to make it a special evening for everyone. A special thank you to State Bank, CoasterStone, 185 Promotions, Ed Martin Automotive, Fanning Howey, and the City of Carmel who have invested as a Premier Sponsor.
About Carmel Education Foundation
One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, the Foundation has awarded over $2,100,000 in college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors and over $850,000 in education grants to inspire lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students. The Carmel Education Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate the Foundation’s mission by funding grants, awarding more than 85 scholarships annually and expanding resources for Carmel Clay Schools.