Proving that you can help people while still having fun, hundreds of community residents gathered at the annual Taste of Phoenixville event where they dined, danced, and more importantly donated much needed funds to a great cause.

The annual fundraising event is organized by the Good Samaritan Shelter to raise funds for its essential work that provides safe and comfortable housing, as well as supportive services, to people experiencing homelessness in the greater Phoenixville and Ephrata areas.

Attendees of the ever more popular event were entertained by live music performed by the HythaFam Band and got to sample a plethora of dishes served by dozens of participating restaurants who generously donated both food and their time for the occasion. The food, which was so plentiful that it was set up on both levels of the venue, included a variety of delicious appetizers, flavorful main dishes and mouthwatering desserts, writes Virginia Lindak of Digital First Media for The Mercury.

As part of the fundraiser, numerous items donated to the organization were on display as part of the silent auction to benefit the shelter. Among the items on offer were wine and gift baskets, rare sports memorabilia, beautiful artwork, ceramics as well as gift certificates from many local businesses.

“More than 20 years ago, I helped establish Safe Harbor in West Chester and over time I have watched with pride as community leaders in Phoenixville worked to establish and grow Good Samaritan Shelter into a successful organization that meets a vital need and provides crucial services to our most vulnerable neighbors,” said state Senator Andy Dinniman.

The Democratic Senator, who also serves on the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, also used the opportunity to thank the staff, volunteers and supporters for the hard work they provided and continue to provide, as well as to reaffirm the commitment to the homeless in Chester County.

Executive director of the Good Samaritan Shelter, Nate Hoffer, commented that people enjoy coming to the Foundry building to celebrate.

“I’m thrilled with it,” he enthused. “People have a good time. This is a foodie town, so this is the perfect event. All the restaurants donate all their staff and all the food. It’s incredible. Proceeds help us provide shelter and keep our operation going.”