On the evening of October 23, the Porter County Expo Center hosted Tri Kappa’s 32nd annual Taste of Valparaiso, an event that brought community members together to enjoy local food and support philanthropic efforts. The gathering featured booths from various local establishments, including restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and bakeries, offering samples to attendees from across Valparaiso.
The event served as a significant fundraiser for the Tri Kappa Iota Chapter, an all-women’s philanthropic sorority with chapters throughout Indiana. Their local chapter utilizes events like the Taste of Valparaiso to unite the community and generate funds for local causes. In addition to culinary offerings, the evening included musical entertainment from the Wolff Gang Singers of Hobart High School, a raffle, and a silent auction. Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas also participated, performing classic songs on guitar.
Mary Idstein, the Taste of Valpo Coordinator for Tri Kappa, highlighted the event's community benefit. She stated that the event's primary goal was "just getting people together and eating good food," without an external agenda beyond community connection. The funds raised are crucial for the sorority's philanthropic work. Idstein noted that over the past 12 years, Tri Kappa has provided more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to local initiatives. This annual taste event is identified as one of their largest fundraisers, making a substantial difference in their ability to support the community.
Carolyn Biesen, Corresponding Secretary, emphasized the direct impact of the funds raised. She expressed hope that attendees would support the participating local restaurants while also recognizing the broader good achieved by their contributions. Biesen specifically mentioned organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and Hilltop House as beneficiaries of Tri Kappa's grants.
The sorority’s commitment to the community extends beyond financial contributions. The 90 women of the Tri Kappa Iota Chapter also dedicate their time to various causes through volunteer efforts. These activities include delivering meals for Meals on Wheels and assisting with the veterans’ breakfast at the Pines, among other initiatives where their support is needed.
Organizing the Taste of Valparaiso requires extensive effort, with members working for months in advance and on the event day itself, from morning until night. This collaborative endeavor also strengthens the bond among the women of Tri Kappa. Biesen observed that events like this foster sisterhood as members work together to achieve a shared goal, offering a different form of connection compared to their regular meetings.
Beyond fundraising, the event aims to encourage meaningful conversations among attendees, facilitate new friendships, and promote broader community involvement. Tri Kappa hopes that participants have a positive experience, choose to return in the future, and share their experience with others. Additionally, the event serves as an opportunity for women interested in joining Tri Kappa to witness the organization's community impact and consider membership.
Looking ahead, Tri Kappa has scheduled its annual gala, "Broadway Ball," for March, followed by a bingo night in May.
