05/18/2021
Carmel Education Foundation is New Host of Taste of Carmel!
A long-time tradition in Carmel is back on the calendar for 2022! The 19th Annual Taste of Carmel is returning, hosted by the Carmel Education Foundation to benefit the Carmel Clay Schools (CCS) community. The Orchard Park Elementary (OPE) Parent Teacher Organization has hosted Taste of Carmel since 2002. With the closing of OPE, it was time for this event to find a new home.
“Ever since the district decided to close Orchard Park 3 years ago, I have struggled with what the future holds for Taste of Carmel,” shared Karla Oselka Walsworth, chair of the event. “I cannot think of a better fit, and quite frankly, a better person, to entrust its future to than Jennifer Penix of the Carmel Education Foundation. Jennifer worked tirelessly on Taste of Carmel for several years, as chair of the event, and really elevated Taste of Carmel to what it has become, an outstanding tasting event and largest event of its kind in Hamilton County.”
Jennifer Penix, Executive Director of the Carmel Education Foundation, is very familiar with the Taste of Carmel as she served as chair from 2012-2017.
“Bringing Taste of Carmel to the Foundation is a full-circle experience for me, and I am delighted to carry on the tradition set forth by Orchard Park parents and staff. It is an honor to have the Foundation entrusted with this event, and the opportunity this will provide us to serve our CCS students and teachers better is significant,” said Penix.
Taste of Carmel will be held in March 2022 and will incorporate many of the elements from past years, including plenty of local restaurants, breweries, and wineries showcasing their specialties. Penix says to expect some new additions, including representation from all 15 CCS schools. Proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction items will enable CEF to provide teacher grants, community programming, and scholarships.
The transition of Taste of Carmel from OPE to CEF is bittersweet for many.
“Taste of Carmel allowed our school family to make strong connections with the community,” shared Rhonda Turner, Principal of Orchard Park Elementary. “With the closing of Orchard Park, we are thrilled to leave this legacy to the Carmel Education Foundation. We know that the funds raised will support all Carmel Clay Schools and, by doing so, will continue to have a positive impact for Orchard Park alumni.”
Penix says that CEF will contribute a portion of proceeds to the Back-Sack program that benefits nearly 200 CCS students monthly across the district.
CEF seeks community members experienced with auctions, sponsor development, or event planning to get involved with the planning process. “We know there are many talented people in Carmel who have experience with large events, and we look forward to generating fresh ideas for Taste of Carmel, as well as for the Foundation,” said Penix.
If you are interested in volunteering, complete this short survey: https://forms.gle/sjmyG1psMYbxqgGFA
To learn more about sponsorship or vendor opportunities, contact Jennifer Penix at [email protected] or
317-844-9961 x2680.
For more information about the Carmel Education Foundation, please visit
www.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation
Foundation Home - Carmel Clay Schools
