Good Sam 'Delivering' For Taste Of Phoenixville This Year

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — An event that provides nearly half the year's funds for Phoenixville's homeless shelter is too important to set aside in a pandemic.

Good Samaritan Services of Phoenixville is hosting the 19th Annual Taste of Phoenixville to raise support for its services to those experiencing homelessness. The annual event has been adjusted for pandemic conditions, most notably it will happen over 5 days, with eating, events, and entertainment ongoing between Jan. 17 and Jan. 21.

"COVID-19 has brought challenges to this event as well as to those who are experiencing homelessness. Together with over 30 local restaurants and breweries, we can overcome those difficulties," said Shadoe Caprell, Development and Communications Coordinator for Good Samaritan Services.

Good Samaritan Services is a Phoenixville organization that serves the community's homeless and at-risk individuals. The Taste of Phoenixville event is meant to empower the community to take their health into their own hands while enjoying good food and music and raising money for Good Samaritan Services.

"This year's event provides so many opportunities to support not only Good Sam, but our beloved local restaurants as well,” said Caprell.

"In the midst of so many shutdowns, local restaurants are still providing an extensive amount of support, including donating meals, gift cards, and more! I am blown away by their generosity in the midst of the most difficult times they're facing," Caprell added.

This year the event will be stretched out over five days, Jan. 17-21, replacing the single night event of the past 18 years. Jan. 12 is the last day to buy a ticket for the revamped event.

Each day features a local restaurant's cuisine with tickets available. Each ticket will include a take-out meal for two, a dessert to share, and a cookbook featuring recipes from restaurants all over Chester County.

Adult beverages and custom glassware available with VIP ticket options. This year, 35 vendors are participating, even more than last year's 25.

There are also Appetizer Gift Packs and Cocktail Carry-out Gift Packs which include 5-7 gift cards from restaurants all over Chester County.

Each gift pack is a surprise, encouraging people to try something they might not have before.

"It’s a great way to explore the city cuisine," said Caprell .

Sunday's featured restaurant is Great American Pub PXV. Owner John Sakos says, "We're here to support each other. This is our community, and we can only get through these times together.
Good Sam has been doing good in Phoenixville for nearly 20 years, and we're glad to be able to support them this year at The Taste of Phoenixville."

The tradition of a brilliant silent auction at the Taste will continue, but online this year, Caprell explained. It features local goods, a digital musical event with Carrie Morgan, as well as fun features from restaurants and businesses across Chester County.

Nate Hoffer, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Services said, "While this is very different from what we've done over the last couple of decades, we are thrilled that we are able to provide another option for The Taste that is safe and just as fun."

Hoffer added, "This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and funds our Emergency Shelter in Phoenixville for nearly half a year. So it's desperately important for us to keep this tradition going."

Sponsorship of the 19th annual Taste of Phoenixville is also encouraged, with many levels of sponsorship offered.

Full details of the 2021 Taste of Phoenixville event can be found at www.tasteofphoenixville.com

Tickets are on sale until Tuesday at midnight.

Good Samaritan Services serves men, women, and children in Chester County and Lancaster County overcome homelessness and hardships.

Good Sam serves up to 200 people a day, with services ranging from emergency shelter to housing support services, along with financial empowerment resources to help people get back on their feet in a sustainable way.