The largest fundraiser in the neighborhood, Taste of the North End, was a roaring success on Friday night with record attendance to support local non-profits.
This year’s Taste of the North End honorees were Angela Menino, Filippo Frattaroli and Joseph Giangreggorio. Attendees voted at the event on three categories for winners of the Best Food to Lucia Ristorante, Best Display to Filippo’s Ristorante and Best Dessert to Mike’s Pastry.
Jenny Johnson of NESN’s Dining Playbook was this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Event organizers Donato Frattaroli of Lucia Ristorante and James Luisi, CEO of North End Waterfront Health Center co-chaired the event. Philip Frattaroli of Ducali Pizzeria was Executive Director with Event Coordinator Marianne Aiello and committee members, Donato Frattaroli, Daniel Leonard & Mary Wright.
Since 1993, TONE has brought together over 40 North End restaurants and vendors to offer a sampling of world famous cuisine and beverages. All the food is generously donated. There was a wide array of entrees, appetizers, cheeses and desserts with refreshing libations from area wine and beer distributors. Guests also supported the cause through a silent auction. Proceeds are still being counted, but donations are expected to exceed $100,000.
Proceeds from the event are split between multiple non-profit organizations in the North End including North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health), Eliot K-8 Innovation School, St. John School, North End Athletic Association (NEAA), North End Against Drugs (NEAD), North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), ABCD Center (North End / West End) and Boston Youth Wrestling. This is the sixth year that North End Waterfront Health has partnered with the Frattaroli family to put on and host the event. Taste of the North End has raised over $1 million for neighborhood charities since its inception. See TasteoftheNorthEnd.org for a full list of beneficiaries and sponsors.
