If you're a fan of food, the beach and supporting the hospital, you'll probably enjoy attending the Health Sciences North Foundation's fourth annual Taste Street Event March 31.
That's because this year's event has a beach party theme, and you're invited to dress up accordingly.
“We thought it might be fun after the winter to be able to put on our shorts and our flip-flops and think ahead about the great weather to come,” said Debra Dawe, manager of community engagement with the Health Sciences North Foundation.
While there's always a costume theme element at the event, Taste Street is mostly about great food in support of a great cause.
About 20 food and drink providers will have booths set up at the Caruso Club, and participants are invited to try as many samples as they like.
Over the past three years, Taste Street has raised close to $200,000 to support Health Sciences North's Learners' Centre.
This is a teaching facility where learners engage with tools, high-fidelity mannequins and state-of-the-art technology in order to practice scenarios that train both medical staff and students for real-life medical situations.
“It's just a huge privilege to work with (the foundation),” said Dr. Rob Anderson, medical lead with the Health Sciences North simulation lab.
“This is such an important event to support something that's so close to my heart. It's raised a ton of money for the equipment and the simulation lab as we move forward in building the new learners' centre (at the hospital).”
Those attending Taste Street will be treated to a simulation scenario using some of Health Sciences North's simulation equipment, including a $75,000 wearable piece of technology called a cut suit.
“Essentially it's there to simulate major trauma,” Anderson said, adding that doctors can simulate surgery on the suit, which actually bleeds like a real patient.
Participating in Taste Street is a lot of fun for local restaurants, said Evelyn Hoffman, general manager and partner with The Keg Steakhouse and Bar in Sudbury.
“It gives us an opportunity to shake it up, because we have a daily grind,” she said. “It's nice when we get to try new things and meet more people.”
Doors to the event open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost between $100 and $200 each, depending on the financial contribution you'd like to make. Visit the foundation's website to purchase tickets.
