Every year an event is held at Wilkes that features a range of foods, including specialty dishes such as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian meals.

This year’s cultural food fest, also known as the Taste of Wilkes, will be taking place on Nov. 15 in the ballroom on the second floor of the Henry Student Center. Tasters will have from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy the various foods this event has to offer.

This event brings people together in a different sort of way.

“It’s a fun and festive atmosphere,” Megan Boone, community service coordinator said. “It’s a great way to enjoy each other’s food and celebrate each other’s cooking.”

Boone recommends that anybody who is going should get there early for “the best selection of tasty food.”

The minimum donation for students, faculty and staff is $5 and all proceeds will go to the United Way of the Wyoming Valley, which the event has now been supporting for 19 years. There are many people who support this organization to provide the essential resources our community needs.

The Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley, Victims Resource Center, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Youth Center are just a few of the United Way’s partner agencies. This and other information regarding the United Way is available at http://unitedwaywb.org.

“It’s important to keep those utilizing the service of the United Way in our thoughts as we make donations, because the donation we contribute has a true impact on the life of someone in our community,” Boone said. “Five dollars may not seem like a lot, but when you compile it all, it goes a long way for those who utilize the services.”

The goal of this year’s fundraising theme, “Thanks-for-giving,” is to remind families of how fortunate they are to be able to spend this time of year together.

The cooking that is the driving force behind the Taste of Wilkes fundraisers has been going on for about 10 years, and United Way also cooks and submits recipes, which will be sold for $5 per recipe book.

All are invited to submit a favorite recipe for this year’s edition of the Taste of Wilkes cookbook. Recipes must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 9.

It’s neat to see how many different types of cultures and people are represented by the food that people make,” Boone said.

However, this year is the 20th anniversary of Taste of Wilkes, which will mark the end of the university’s United Way campaign.

Departments and individuals are encouraged to support the event by contributing a themed basket for the silent auction. The deadline for basket donations and registration to cook for Taste of Wilkes is Monday, Nov. 12.

To register or for more information, contact Megan Valkenburg.

Faculty bringing classes should also contact Valkenburg for information about a group discount.