A History of Yummy GOODness

The idea for A Taste of Claremont first came from four new Rotarians in 1999. The assignment was given to them to put together a party as part of their indoctrination into Rotary. The party could be either a social affair or a fundraiser. They decided it was to be both. The fledgling Rotarians, with the assistance of two Rotarian mentors, worked together to plan the event. The first Taste was held at Seaver House in January 2000. Four restaurants and one winery articipated as students of the Claremont Colleges set the mood with chamber music. Taste attracted over one hundred guests and proved to be a huge success.

The executive committee of Rotary, upon reviewing the event, felt Taste should be held annually as a fundraiser for the club. The following year, in February, the second annual A Taste of Claremont was held, this time bringing in 420 guests, eight eateries, one winery and three Corporate Sponsors. The event raised over $7,000.00 for community projects and proved to be a winning effort.

In presenting the third annual A Taste of Claremont in 2002, the committee decided to move the event to Taylor Hall to hold a larger number of people. That committee consisted of seven full-time members and a total of eighteen dedicated Rotarians to achieve even higher goals for A Taste of Claremont. Approximately 900 guests, sixteen eateries and one winery attended the event. Over $17,000.00 was raised for community projects and completely funded the Park on Wheels trailer, which a recreation employee drives to our city parks, taking games and sports equipment for use by children in supervised play after school. Taste 2003 raised $25,000 for Rotary International's effort to eradicate polio in the world. Taste 2004 raised $25,000 for the Wheelchair Foundation and other community projects!

Over the last eleven years, A Taste of Claremont has raised over $225,000 for both local and global beneficiaries as Claremont’s most charming annual event.