Cleveland Turns Out Big for Taste of Pinecrest, Raising $30K for The Gathering Place скачать в хорошем качестве

Cleveland Turns Out Big for Taste of Pinecrest, Raising $30K for The Gathering Place

ORANGE, Ohio — What started as a vision to blend community, cuisine, and cause turned into a sold-out success as more than 1,000 people descended on Pinecrest in Orange Village for the first-ever Taste of Pinecrest. Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event raised over $30,000 for The Gathering Place, a nonprofit that supports individuals and families affected by cancer through free programming and services. “We’re here today to benefit The Gathering Place, a local organization for those touched by cancer,” said Ana Liberati, Pinecrest’s marketing director. “With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to do whatever we could to raise funds for an organization near and dear to our hearts. That’s why we chose The Gathering Place.” The inaugural event, which quickly sold out of its 1,000 available tickets, featured 17 local restaurant and entertainment vendors spread across Pinecrest’s open-air plaza. Food and drink samples, live entertainment, and immersive experiences gave guests a chance to taste, sip, and celebrate the best of Cleveland’s dining scene while supporting a critical cause. “We sold out so quickly,” Liberati added. “We couldn’t have raised $30,000 without the community.” Attendees were treated to a curated sampling of offerings from notable Pinecrest businesses including Heartwood Coffee, The Last Page, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and Pinstripes. A highlight was the espresso martini collaboration between Heartwood and The Last Page, which blended the signature roasts of Heartwood with tequila for a bold, caffeinated twist. “You’ve got to go and try it,” Liberati said, recommending the unexpected cocktail. Jim Sanders of Heartwood Coffee described their journey from garage-based roasters to community coffee hubs with pride. “We’ve been doing this for over 10 years now,” he said. “We started roasting in my garage and turned it into a couple shops. Now we’re here. We source super good coffee from around the whole world and bring it for people to enjoy.” In addition to the unique food and beverage pairings, the event served a deeper purpose. Guests got the opportunity to learn about The Gathering Place’s work firsthand, including a tour of their recently acquired mobile unit. “We empower individuals impacted by cancer, not just the individual, but whoever’s supporting them,” said Shermelle Schaffer of The Gathering Place. “We have nutrition, fitness, a wig salon, if you’ve lost your hair due to chemo, we’ve got you. All of our services are free.” The mobile unit, which made its debut earlier this year, is designed to meet people where they are. “We’re in Beachwood, we’re in Westlake, but our mobile unit, we go everywhere; rec centers, senior events. Anywhere where the people are,” said Schaffer. The mobile lounge offers private spaces for emotional support, clinical consultations, and connection to essential services, all on wheels. From there, guests explored culinary gems like Firebirds, where Michelle Ebach welcomed crowds with in-demand samples and vibrant drinks. “So far, the big hit is the strawberry cucumber infused margarita,” Ebach said. “It’s a new drink we just added in October. We infuse it in-house for three days. It’s amazing.” Alongside the drink, Firebirds also served up their signature lobster spinach queso and crème brûlée cheesecake bites. Pinstripes, one of Pinecrest’s largest venues, drew big attention with its rooftop patio, bowling alley, bocce courts, and expansive event spaces. “It’s kind of our little slice of heaven in Pinecrest,” said venue manager Matt Scott. “We’ve got everything up here; a fireplace to keep you cozy, bocce courts, and a gorgeous view. You're smack dab in the middle of the complex, but it feels like a private escape.” Scott highlighted Pinstripes’ versatility, noting that it’s a go-to location for weddings, corporate events, brunches, and even kids' activities. “We try to promote ourselves as a community venue,” he said. “We do kids club on the second Saturday of every month, arts and crafts, puppet shows, sometimes just live music. We want to create something for everyone.” Inside, Pinstripes served up an array of fall-themed dishes for the event, including pepperoni flatbread, chicken avocado club pizza, and their Margarita Italiano, a twist on the classic drink made with pomegranate juice and limoncello. “It’s our spin on a traditional margarita,” Scott explained. “Those two ingredients set it apart. It’s a little different, but people love it.” From rooftop lounges to wood-fired pizza stations, from fresh-roasted coffee to tequila-infused cocktails, Taste of Pinecrest showcased not only local flavors but a genuine sense of community spirit. ---------------------------------- For more information, visit www.Cleveland13News.com