Unlimited food tastings, beverages, more await at Taste the Goodness

This paid event listing is sponsored by Taste the Goodness. 

Support the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House while indulging in a huge tasting and entertainment event this weekend.

Taste the Goodness will be held in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Now in its seventh year, the event has evolved and expanded to the point where it’s held outdoors under tents in the parking lot of the Avera building across from Fawick Park.

You’ll discover unlimited tasting of specialty food from a variety of local eateries, more than 100 craft beers, handpicked wines and bourbons, along with a huge silent auction, music, games and activities.

“We are always trying to find more food vendors, top craft beers, tasty wines, as well as adding unique features like bourbon tasting, a large silent auction with somthing for everyone and fun games like a dunk tank where you can take a shot at local celebrities,” said Ellen Keena, marketing and communications specialist for the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota.

“The event is more than just an amazing night out on the town; it is an amazing fundraising event for a very worthy charity in our midst. How often can you spend a night out and know all the proceeds support the most vulnerable in our midst? It’s a total win-win for everyone.”

Taste the Goodness has become an annual must-attend event for many, she added.

“People are amazed by the quality and quantity of food and beverage tastings that are offered. It is like a huge block party where you are sure to run into someone you know.”

It’s geared for all ages, and “people come from all over to attend this event,” Keena said. “Some make it a weekend experience with their friends!”

This year’s silent auction drew an overwhelming response of high-quality items.

“There is something for everyone in a variety of price ranges,” Keena said. “We have everything from a firetruck ride to school to a week at a beautiful lake home.”

There even are “competing” sets of beanbag boards with USD and SDSU themes.

“We anticipate some strong competition between the two alumni of each of these schools,” Keena added. “And the cool thing about our silent auction is you don’t need to attend the event to participate.”

To access the silent auction remotely, click here. If you win, the event organizers will arrange to connect you with your item.

“We have already had some competitive bidding going on, so make sure to bid early and often to secure the package you want, and remember 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction support the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House,” Keena said.

You also can make a cash donation through the website or purchase a package to fund a need at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House.

“While initially the house was built as an emergency shelter, with projections to be full during the coldest, winter months, reality has shown a different scenario,” Keena said.

“Bishop Dudley Hospitality House has operated at near capacity during even temperate spring and summer weather.  This is a strong indication that the needs of our community are greater than originally thought, and hence the decision to produce this event on the behalf of the BDHH was a simple one.”

On average, 179 patrons are served per day, and it takes approximately $2,739 per day to operate Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, she added.

“All God’s children should be served with kindness and love. This is why we do this!”

Tickets for Taste the Goodness can be purchased in advance to save time checking in. They’ll also be available at the gate. Taste the Goodness also is still looking for a few more volunteers – it takes nearly 400 people to make the event happen! Sign up here, or call 605-988-3769.