SAN LUIS OBISPO, August 4, 2008- The Family Care Network will be celebrating 21 years of serving the Central Coast at the 5th Annual Taste of the Central Coast held at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande on Sunday, September 14th from 3:00 to 6:30pm. The Taste of the Central Coast is an elegant fine food and wine tasting event that showcases local talent while raising funds to support the local foster and high-needs children and families served by the Family Care Network.

This year’s Taste of the Central Coast will feature twenty-six top savory and pastry chefs from establishments such as Windows on the Water, Lido and The Park, as well as sixteen vintners from wineries such as Castoro Cellars and Laetitia Vineyards. Held again at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande, guests will enjoy beautiful and lush surroundings while listening to the live music of “Wholly Jazz.” Guests will also participate in a silent and live auction, featuring exciting items such as a week stay in San Miguel de Allende Mexico and a tandem paragliding flight, in addition to weekend getaways and unique varieties of Central Coast wine. This year’s auction will once again be presented by Auctioneer Scott Vernon with hosts Chad and Andy from Cat Country 96.1. By combining fine food, wine, music and the community, the Taste of the Central Coast has become a premier event supporting local foster and high-needs children and families.
A main focus of the Taste of the Central Coast will be the presentation of the Family Care Network’s 2008 Circle of Serving awards. The 2008 San Luis Obispo County “Circle of Serving” award honoree is Mrs. Phyllis Madonna while the Santa Barbara County “Circle of Serving” award honoree is Mr. Jim Diani. Both are being recognized for their humble leadership and exceptional support of children, youth and families living on the Central Coast. Honored guest, Jane Russell, Hollywood star of the 1950's will also be recognized at the event. Over the last three decades, Miss Russell has used her fame to make a significant impact for children in need through her devotion to national adoption and foster care reform. It is our honor to recognize all three of these individuals and their dedication to enhancing the lives of children and families.

This year’s event is sponsored by Bryan J. Crawford - Charles Schwab, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and McCarthy’s Wholesale. Tickets for the event are $75 per person and can be purchased by visiting TasteOfTheCentralCoast.com or by calling (805) 781-3535. 100% of the net proceeds earned at the event will benefit the children and families served by the Family Care Network. This elegant afternoon affair will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m.

The Family Care Network is a private, nonprofit children and families services provider. In it’s 20+ year history, the agency has grown to serve over 2,000 children, youth and families in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties through 17 distinct programs under five service divisions including: Therapeutic Foster Care; Family Support Services; School-Based Mental Health and Delinquency Prevention Services; Transitional Housing Services; and Community-Linked Services. For more information on the Family Care Network, please visit FCNI.org or call (805) 781-3535.