A YEAR IN: Foodie Fundraisers

Eating for a cause

A YEAR IN: Foodie Fundraisers
Tess Farnsworth/Big Table photo
Global cuisine takes center stage at Big Table Eats Around the World.

Big Table Eats Around the World

Big Table benefits workers in the local restaurant and hospitality industry, "where the immense need is hidden by the smiles people wear as part of their uniform," says founder Kevin Finch. Held at the Davenport's Grand Hotel, Eat Around The World features food from Greece, Peru, and China by top regional chefs. Go to Big-Table.com.

COST: $55

WHERE & WHEN: Sept. 25, 2017;

The Davenport Grand Hotel • 979-1005

Epicurean Delight

Since 1980, Epicurean Delight has raised funds for local health care organizations, including the Inland Northwest Blood Center. This black-tie gala fills the top floor of the Spokane Convention Center with the very best of the region's food and drink — four mouthwatering courses from more than 30 restaurants — as well as beverages from wineries, cideries and breweries, all unlimited. Go to INBCsaves.org.

COST: $175

WHERE & WHEN: Nov. 10, 2017;

Spokane Convention Center • 232-4567

Krewe d'Alene

Mardi Gras is the theme for Krewe d'Alene, benefitting the Coeur d'Alene-based Arts & Culture Alliance, which promotes visual, literary and performing arts. Krewe d'Alene features top local chefs providing amuse-bouche in a New Orleans-like atmosphere. Go to artsandculturecda.org.

COST: $40 in advance; $45 at the door

WHERE & WHEN: Feb. 17, 2018;

Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops • 208-292-1629

Northeast Washington Hunger Coalition Gala

In Stevens County, the Northeast Washington Hunger Coalition's annual gala benefits 14 food banks, as well as farm-to-pantry and farm-to-school programs.

COST: $25

WHERE & WHEN: Feb. 17, 2018; Colville Ag Trade Center

Dine Out to Feed Spokane

Food insecurity and hunger is a real and growing problem in our nation, which several local organizations like Second Harvest address through food-based fundraising. Dine Out to Feed Spokane partners with area restaurants that contribute a portion of their proceeds to Feed Spokane, which retrieves excess restaurant-prepared food and grocery items for use at local nonprofits. Visit feedspokane.com for more information, including a list of participating restaurants.

COST: $25

WHERE & WHEN: March 1-31, 2018

Sip, Swirl & Savor

Sip, Swirl & Savor benefits the organization partially responsible for feeding the continued interest in cooking as a career: Community College of Spokane's Inland Northwest Culinary Academy and the CCS Foundation. Under the supervision of their acclaimed instructors, INCA students prepare and serve a five-course meal paired with award-winning wines. Go to CCSFoundation.org.

COST: $175; The Commons at

Fort Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute

WHERE & WHEN: April 21, 2018; 434-5069

  • or

Carrie Scozzaro

Carrie Scozzaro spent nearly half of her career serving public education in various roles, and the other half in creative work: visual art, marketing communications, graphic design, and freelance writing, including for publications throughout Idaho, Washington, and Montana.