It’s time to head for the hills of Larkspur and belly-up once again for the fabulous fundraiser – Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares. There is a reason why this signature event, TLC’s largest fundraiser of the year, typically sells out. TLC provides the opportunity for the community to support this very worthwhile nonprofit, while enjoying an evening sampling the best cuisine available in the Tri-Lakes region.

Fifteen or more participating restaurants will be “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” as their talented chefs offer delectable samples of their tastiest creations. Local restaurants welcome a chance to donate to a worthy cause through their participation, with a perk of gaining accolades, and exposing the 400 attendees to their specialties in a casual walk-around experience. Event guests will once again have a chance to vote for the crowd favorite. In 2025 the winner was uva wine bar serving up gourmet smashburger sliders with gruyere, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli.

The food will be tasty, plentiful, creative and of the best quality. Many of the participants this year are making a return appearance including Black Forest Foods Cafe & Deli, Axe Sauce & Sausage and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

What can be more fun than the opportunity to taste small servings and discover favorites worth seeking out with a visit to the restaurants represented? In addition, an ample charcuterie tower will be overflowing with meats, cheeses, bread, crackers, fruit and condiments.

New to the agenda this year will be a walk-around magician, wine pull and photo op. The wine pull includes 100 donated bottles of premium wines. Participants can buy a ticket for $20 and receive the bottle that coincides with their ticket number. The photo op is included in the ticket price. What fun to pose solo, as a duo or as a group against a selected background banner.

As in previous years, a cash bar will be available for libations and a DJ will play upbeat tunes to keep toes tapping, the party hopping and event goers energized.

A brief informational and moving program will cap off the evening. A video focused on mission moments will highlight neighbors-in-need who have been impacted by the essential resources provided by TLC. Attendees will then be given an opportunity to further support TLC through a paddle raise.

For over 40 years Tri-Lake Cares has honored their mission statement: “We empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow.” As cost-of-living essentials are soaring, services include assistance with food, mortgage and rent payments, utilities, medical care and transportation. Last year over $100,000 was raised through the event and the goal is to beat that amount in 2026.

Bill Lyons, TLC Director of Development and Planning, applauds not only the accomplishments of the nonprofit itself, but the ongoing support and responsiveness of the Tri-Lakes community that makes it all happen.

“For 41 years, this community has been the foundation of Tri-Lakes Cares, making it possible for us to serve families with dignity and compassion,” he said. “As our region continues to grow, so does the need—and so must we. Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares is both a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together and a glimpse into the future we’re building for the next generation”.

This highly anticipated event takes place at a stellar venue, offers community and social involvement and is complemented by a menu sure to please all palates. See you there!

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IF YOU GO

What: Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Spruce Mountain Events, 14771 S. Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur

Tickets: $75.00
(Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available until sold out)
For more information, to donate, and to purchase event tickets visit: tri-lakescares.org