People power is fueling a new initiative called Vermont Taste, a community-focused event that benefits Copley Hospital’s Charitable Care Program. Vermont Taste showcases the area’s talented chefs, bakers, brewers, winemakers, distillers, roasters, and creators in their element. Coordinated by Copley Hospital, Vermont Taste is being led by a team of passionate volunteers from the Vermont food scene with assistance from many partners, hosts, and sponsors.

Vermont Taste is designed to encourage people to go to their favorite neighborhood hangout or check out a new place, supporting both local businesses and the local community hospital.  The event is coming to life following news that Stowe Charities, Inc. has retired and along with it, Stowe Charities’ annual Stowe Wine and Food Classic. Board members encouraged Copley to create a new culinary-based fundraiser.

Hosts and Partners
Scot Baraw, VP of Sales and Marketing and family owner of Stoweflake Resort & Spa, is one of many hospitality industry professionals helping shape Vermont Taste. Scot recognizes that there are diners who seek an award-winning wine list, friends who seek a cozy tavern as their regular spot for a pint, and visitors who want to experience Vermont like a local. Elements from casual to elevated cuisine are all being incorporated into Vermont Taste, which will offer something for all tastes.

Team members from Farrell Distributing, a third-generation Vermont family business committed to giving back to their community, are serving as outreach agents and more for Vermont Taste. While skiing earlier this year, Stuart Timmons of Farrell and Scot Baraw chatted strategy for Vermont Taste.  Together, restaurants and their wine and beer suppliers are coming together to design the program.

Farrell Distributing along with local restaurants is reaching out to local restaurants to launch Vermont Taste. From May 1 through June 30, a donation will be made by participating restaurants for every bottle of Palm Bay Wine, every pint of von Trapp beer and/or Citizen Cider sold and the donation will be matched by Farrell Distributing.

“We are honored to be a part of this opportunity to support Copley Hospital by teaming up some of our amazing restaurant partners with our partners at Citizen Cider, von Trapp Brewery and wines from the Palm Bay, said Ryan Chaffin, Farrell Distributing’s Director of Marketing & Business Development. “We look at this partnership as another way to serve our Vermont community and to help raise funds for a great cause.”

Helping shape and launch Vermont Taste and supporting Copley Hospital is a team effort at Trapp Family Lodge. Walter Frame, Director and Executive Vice President of Trapp Family Lodge and a member of Copley Hospital’s Board of Trustees, along with leadership team members Bill Hunt, Director of Sales; Gary Crouse, Food & Beverage Director; and Sara Lory, Marketing Manager, are key volunteers behind the scenes making Vermont Taste happen.

Vermont Taste Events
Plans are in the works for a kick off to Memorial Day weekend at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall sure to please the foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or those who just want to relax and enjoy tasty lagers paired with wonderful scenery.  “Come experience the von Trapp Bierhall from our observation deck over-looking the working brewery while supporting Copley Hospital. Austrian favorites will be served along-side fresh von Trapp Brewing Lagers to offer ‘A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont,’ ” says Bill Hunt.  Tickets to the May 25th kick-off will go on sale in April.

Many offerings of Vermont Taste will appeal to craft brew drinkers, while others are being built for the wine loving crowd.  Food and Beverage Director Jean Marie Napoliello and Chef Adam Noe were the first to commit to designing a special dining event for Vermont Taste. Flannel, Topnotch’s farm to table restaurant, will offer a one-night fundraising dinner in collaboration with Owen Roe Vineyards.

“We are proud to continue our support of Copley Hospital through Vermont Taste,” said Robert Burnetti, General Manager of Topnotch Resort.  “We think it is a brilliant idea and we look forward to being part of the program.”

Vermont Taste offers something for all tastes and occurs May 24-June 30 throughout the Copley Hospital service area. Artisan producers involved include Mt. Mansfield Creamery, Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea, Cork Wine Bar & Market, and more.

Thanks to our Sponsors
Every new initiative needs support to get it started. Copley Hospital is grateful to the founding sponsors of Vermont Taste; their early support helped Copley move this event from just simply being an idea to becoming reality. This support was jumpstarted when board members of Stowe Charities, Inc., as their final act, donated their remaining funds to Copley for a new culinary showcase. Stepping up to bring Vermont Taste to life are: Union Bank, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Community National Bank, Sibson Consulting and Fred’s Plumbing & Heating. Media support is being provided by VT Web Marketing, Liquid Studio, Stowe Reporter, Stowe Area Association, Star 92.9 and The Point.

Be A Part of Vermont Taste
Copley is working with veteran culinary event planner Patty McShane to create Vermont Taste.
If interested in helping plan and host events, please email vermonttasteinfo@gmail.com.
Ongoing updates and a full schedule of events and opportunities will be published on the Vermont Taste website, slated to go live in April.

Vermont Taste benefits the Charitable Care Program at Copley Hospital. Copley’s Charitable Care Program offers discounted or free care for those in need of essential healthcare services and are uninsured, underinsured, ineligible for a government program, or otherwise unable to pay their medical bills. Last year, Copley provided 2300 charitable care visits, spending nearly $700,000. Nearly 90% of those receiving charitable care had insurance and received financial assistance with deductibles and co-pays. Copley provides 24-hour emergency services, a family-friendly Birthing Center, and inpatient and outpatient care including Cardiology, General Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation Services, and Diagnostic Imaging on its campus in Morrisville. A non-profit community hospital, Copley serves the greater Lamoille County region and is one of the area’s largest employers. Visit http://www.copleyvt.org for more information.