'A Taste of The Niagara Region': Supporters added for 2nd annual 'Heart to Heart' fundraiser

The list of restaurant and catering participants has grown on an almost daily basis for "A Taste of The Niagara Region," a family-friendly event set for Saturday, Feb. 8, from noon to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, 505 Cayuga St. This is the rescue's second annual "Heart to Heart" fundraiser. It will raise much-needed funds to support the work of Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue, whose mission is to help save the lives of homeless, abandoned and forgotten companion animals and place them in suitable homes.

Local businesses have rallied behind the event. DiMino's Lewiston Tops has donated necessary supplies. Large-prize donations include an overnight jacuzzi package from Salvatore's Grand Hotel with dinner at Russell's Steaks, Chops and More; and overnight stays at the Holiday Inn Niagara Falls, The Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls, and the Hampton Inns by The Airport.

In addition, there will be a basket and gift certificate raffle, all open to the public, from noon to 6 p.m. More than 100 prizes are up for grabs. Winners will be drawn from 6-7 p.m. Winners need not be present to win.

Participating restaurants and caterers who are generously donating signature appetizers, main-course items, desserts and beverages, include: Apple Granny Restaurant, The Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q., Brio Pizzeria, Tin Pan Alley, The Como Restaurant, De La Casa Mexican Restaurant, DiCamillo Bakery, Donna Eick's, Duff's Famous Wings, Favorite's Pizzeria, Formal BBQ and Event Catering, Johnnie Ryan Beverages, Lewiston Village Pub, The Griffon Pub, Mangia Cafe and Bakery, Michaels Restaurant, Orange Cat Coffee Co., Smith Brothers Pizza, Johnnie Ryan Beverage Co., Sunset Bar & Grill, Town Hall Restaurant and The Village Bake Shoppe.

Guests will vote on their favorite dish at the event and then name "The Best of The Taste of The Niagara Region."

Tickets are $20 per person, and include a sample from each of the participating restaurants and caterers. Tickets may be purchased by check made payable to Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue and mailed to Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue, PO Box 462, Lewiston NY 14092. Include an email address and phone number for receipt confirmation. Tickets may also be purchased online using PayPal at www.heartofniagara.org. Tickets will be held at the door for each guest.

Heart of Niagara is a 501(c) 3, not-for-profit companion animal rescue organization based in Niagara County. Its mission is to protect the health and welfare of abandoned, unwanted and homeless animals. Volunteers have adopted out more than 100 animals to date.