Escape to An Evening of Elegance to Benefit Adult Day Center

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself.

It's time again to make plans to sip, savor and socialize at the 15th annual A Taste of the Hills gala fundraiser, to be held on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fair Winds at Basking Ridge Country Club. The annual event in elegant surroundings is a chance to escape the everyday (and cooking) while dressing up and sampling some of the best food and drink in the Somerset Hills.

Hosted by the Friends of the this year’s benefit honors the Basking Ridge Garden Club for that group's many years of partnership with the VNA. As always, the evening benefits the Adult Day Center at the VNA's facility off Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge.

The Taste boasts a line-up of more than 35 of the region’s finest food establishments serving artfully displayed and samplings of items, sometimes the specialties of the house, that include hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts.

Besides offering cuisine to satisfy all tastes, wine and spirit enthusiasts can enjoy pours from a variety of vineyards and beverage suppliers. Participants include local favorites such as Bernards Inn, Aoyama, the Olde Mill Inn and Country Picnic, Osteria Morini and Gary’s Wine and Marketplace from Bernardsville.

In addition to the food and beverage tastings, guests can participate in a silent auction and basket raffle. The collection of merchandise and experiences donated by local vendors and individuals includes unique items such as cocktail parties, a plane ride and a children’s “twin” basket, with double of everything inside.

“Thanks to the generosity and participation from so many outstanding regional restaurants and merchants, proceeds from the Taste will help the VNA of Somerset Hills continue to provide much needed Adult Day Services to members of our Morris and Somerset County communities, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Susan Lichtenberger, of Mendham, event co-chair and VNA of Somerset Hills Board of Trustees member.

“This year, we are also pleased to be honoring volunteers from the Basking Ridge Garden Club, whose valuable contributions include maintaining the beautiful VNA gardens and leading activity programs for Adult Day Center members," she added.

The Adult Day Center of the VNA of Somerset Hills in Basking Ridge is set up to provide a caring and welcoming environment of customized supervision and socialization for the frail, elderly or chronically disabled adult who may otherwise have to stay home alone or be prematurely placed in a long term care facility.

The center also provides support to family members and caregivers by allowing them the freedom to go to work, handle personal business or just relax while knowing their loved one is being cared for and safe.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person in advance and $85 at the door. Reservations and information are available online or by calling the event chairperson at 908-236-6632.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills and its subsidiaries provide individuals and families with comprehensive, cost-effective home and community healthcare services, regardless of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate. The VNA is a charitable, tax-exempt home health agency and hospice certified by Medicare, accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

More information is online.