Countywide : Food Tasting Raises Funds for C.A.A.N.

Area residents can sample a variety of foods and listen to live entertainment while they help support child abuse prevention programs at a “Banquet Bouquet” on Saturday in Ventura.

The food festival, a fund-raiser for Child Abuse and Neglect Inc., isscheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mound Nursery, 40 Day Road, said Laureen Berringer, C.A.A.N. program director.

Franky’s Place, Subway, El Pollo Loco, Voila Cafe, Atelier de Chocolat and Kitchen Cafe are among about 15 Ventura County restaurants that will offer food “tasters,” Berringer said.

Taste tickets will be sold at the door for $1 each or $20 for 25.

Proceeds from the event, the biggest fund-raiser of the year, will finance child abuse prevention and treatment services, Berringer said.

C.A.A.N. workers make presentations at schools and clubs and offer family counseling, in-home parenting classes and a weekly parental skills class, Berringer said.

“We have a sliding-fee scale so individuals who may not be able to get therapy elsewhere can get it at C.A.A.N.,” she said.