Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Taste of Collin County a success

By Rodney Williams of McKinneyNews.net

Elise Anderson

MCKINNEY — Collin County residents apparently know a good deal when they see it as the parking lots at Collin County Regional Airport were filled for the Taste of Collin County on Monday night.

Food vendors, representing such McKinney staples as McAlister's Deli, Jalapeno Tree, Hooters and Chipotle, set up in booths alongside new businesses On The Border and Genghis Grill to serve a hungry public. A paid ticket to the event meant all the free food one could eat.

To say the event was a success would be an understatement. More than 1,000 hungry people walked through the huge hangar doors at the airport - and forced the opening of the overflow parking lots - to sample some of Collin County's finest foods.

For vendors such as Chipotle, the night served as an opportunity to reacquaint the public with its menu.

"We're here to give everybody a sample of our naturally raised pork which comes from pigs that are never given steroids, antibiotics or hormones," said Chipotle general manager Jason Burke. "It's nice and healthy, and we're just trying to create awareness to the community about how healthy our food is."

For David Claney, General Manager of Cafe Malaga, a Spanish style tapas bar in Historic Downtown McKinney, the event is something else.

"We're honored to be here to support Habitat For Humanity," Claney said. "That's why we're here. It's also a great way to get some exposure. [Ultimately] we hope that we can raise money for a worthy cause."

North Collin County Habitat for Humanity was served well by the event. Taste of Collin County was held to raise funds to help the organization build 6-to-10 new homes in Collin County for people in need. North Collin County Habitat for Humanity has built 32 homes in the area, with two more presently under construction. The organization receives no government grants for construction; rather it relies on the kindness and generosity of the businesses, leaders and citizens of the community to raise funds.

Tim Solano, Texas AmeriCorps Specialist for Habitat for Humanity International, said Taste of Collin County helps his organization help change lives in communities across North Texas. "We hope what we do really lights the fire [within a community]. We call it an epidemic of compassion," said Solano. "This really helps us do it. [Taste of Collin County] is historically our single biggest fund raiser. The money is used to help with operating costs and direct funding of homes for new applicants. Every year it kind of builds upon itself."

Food wasn't the only thing getting people's attention. Ever thought of buying a new Toyota FJ Cruiser? Pat Lobb brought a tricked-out white model and parked it in the hangar. There was even a bounce house for the kids and silent auctions for everyone else.

There were also the awards to hand out at the end of the night. Best In Show went to Dave & Buster's, Best Booth went to Cypress Grill and Best Dessert award went to McAlister's Deli.

Ultimately, the night was deemed a success by those involved.

"I think we're having a great response. We're spreading the word, and that's what it's all about," Burke said.

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