Benefit for Holy Angels coming to Shreveport Convention Center

If you’re into food, art and helping keep a great program alive, the 43rd Annual TASTE will fill the bill.

Presented as “a festival of food, wine and art,” TASTE will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center (SCC) on Sept. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m.

“This year is going to be a really exciting year,” according to Laurie Boswell, CEO of Holy Angels Residential Facility, the event’s beneficiary. “We are moving. We outgrew the Bossier Convention Center and are moving to the Shreveport Convention Center. We will be on the first floor so that valet parking will be available right there.” She also said self-parking will be available in the SCC garage.

She explained that the event’s theme this year is “Come Fly With Us,” a nod to the facility’s mission to empower the population it serves. Holy Angels provides job training and placement, day program activities, outpatient therapy and education in the Community School, and residential services — all focused on moving individuals with a wide range of disabilities to their maximum level of independence. “We’re all about empowering those we serve,” Boswell said. “It has great meaning.”

Besides the food and art, there will be a silent auction, which has become an anticipated part of the annual celebration. An online preview of the silent auction begins on Sept. 19. The auction features more than 150 items, including Holy Angels resident art, original pieces from local artists, gifts, fine jewelry, experiences, trips and unique items from across the country. “The business community has come out with such generosity, with all kinds of beautiful items,” Boswell said. On the night of the event, TASTE guests will have the opportunity to see the auction items in person and meet the resident artists behind the artwork. Guests are encouraged to register for the silent auction before the event. Auction assistants will be available the night of the event on Sept. 26 to help in person.

New for 2024, an exclusive live auction will feature pieces only available at the event.

TASTE tickets are $100 per person and are on sale at https://shop.laholyangels.org/products/taste-2024.

Naturally, TASTE is famous for sampling the best this area offers from some of the top restaurateurs. The famous Holy Angels lasagna and complimentary beer and wine from the Bubble Bar will also be there.

Another unique feature this year will be live music from a new band. “We are presenting music by a new band coming out of Lafayette, Rouge Krewe,” Boswell said. According to the group’s website, they are a Louisiana-based cover band that has “quickly become the most fun, most sought-after band for clients who wish to deliver an exciting and unforgettable experience to their guests. We bring a one-of-a-kind, interactive show with lights, dances, sing-alongs and your favorite music!”

Boswell said, “I think, what one of the most entertaining parts of the event will be the Holy Angels Choir under the direction of the music ministers of Broadmoor Baptist Church. And the winner of our Holy Angels Talent Show will also perform.

Those are really fun.”

The event helps fund the ongoing services of the Holy Angels community, and the addition of the new community school makes that more important than ever. “This year, we just opened a new school year with 50 students. This is our third year to have the school. It is booming; we have a huge waiting list. We still have a waiting list for the residential program and the day program,” Boswell said. “We have seen such a huge need in the community.”

Despite all the inflationary pressures this year, she said, it really touches her heart that so many businesses and donors have come through so generously. “I feel like this is very special.”

TASTE was first held in September 1981 and has since grown into an anticipated annual event with over 1,500 guests.

The community, staff and especially the residents and participants they serve look forward to the event each year.

For more information or to register for the auction, go to https://secure.qgiv.com/event/holyangelstaste2024/.

The event raises funds for Holy Angels Residential Facility. More than 1,500 guests turn out in support.