The 44th Annual Assistance League Taste of the Town: "Let's Get Wild!" (2024)

On a warm Friday evening in June, the lively sounds of rock and roll music, laughter, and lively conversation filled the air at Hangar 21 in Fullerton Airport. More than 650 people lined up to attend the Assistance League of Fullerton’s 44th Annual Taste of the Town event.
The Taste of the Town fundraiser featured various food, beverages, music, and entertainment, all of which supported local philanthropic programs. Local restaurants generously contributed their time and special signature dishes, allowing guests to sample as much food as they desired for the price of admission.

The Assistance League has organized the Taste of the Town event since 1979. Due to the pandemic, the fundraiser was canceled in 2020 and held virtually in 2021. In 2023, the Assistance League members were excited to host the event in person at Fullerton Plaza. On June 14, 2024, over 650 people gathered at Fullerton Airport Hanger 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. for this year’s Taste of the Town.

The event had a “Let’s Get Wild!” theme and featured some of Fullerton’s best dining and catering establishments. The entrance fee was $60 in advance, or $65 at the door, and children 12 and under could enter for free. The ticket included all entertainment, food, and beverages.
As we arrived at the airport, cars were efficiently directed to parking spaces. A golf cart trolley transported guests to the entrance, where friendly Assistance League members steadily checked people in. At the entrance, dressed in a warrior costume, looking straight out of an action film, carrying a large spear, a man was hired to pose for photos with people.

Inside hangar 21 was a photo op booth representing the jungle, with plants and animals, along with a large display of gift baskets. Tables and chairs filled the space, with each restaurant having its booth around the edges of the hangar.

“The Answer to Classic Rock” was a live band that played on stage, performing old-school rock and roll hits while guests mingled. Attendees could enjoy various food and drinks, including American, British, Mexican, Mediterranean, French, and Italian cuisine. There were several different types of cuisine and desserts available, including offerings from Brownstone Café, Monkey Business Cafe, Milk and Cookies, Sabor Peruvian Restaurant, Acai Republic, Roman Cucina, Islands Fine Burgers, Patty’s Cakes, Philz Coffee, Polly’s Restaurant & Bakery, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Spice Social, Crepes Bonaparte, Madero 1899, Fratellinos, and more.

There were also representatives from Fullerton Ford, Credit Union of Southern California, Jeweler’s Touch, Potters Dental, Bravo Roofing, Premier CDJR, Trader Joe’s, and Custom Comfort Mattress were also present.

The Assistance League is one of the Fullerton’s longest-running philanthropic organizations. It was organized as a guild in 1940. During World War II, the League was actively involved with the Red Cross, making surgical dressings, layettes, knitted articles, and supporting the USO. They also provided aid to veterans at the end of the war. In 1950, the Fullerton guild became a chartered organization.

Today, the Assistance League’s work has expanded to serve north Orange County in Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, and Yorba Linda. They have been serving these communities for 82 years. While the League was originally based in an old Episcopal church on Amerige, they now have their buildings across the street from the Fullerton Police Station, including the popular Thrift Shop (formerly known as “The Bargain Box”), which happens to be their main source of raising funds.

The Assistance League of Fullerton is a non-profit organization comprising volunteers who staff the Thrift Store and other events, including Chapter Members, junior high and high school students called Assisteens, and professional women known as ALPHA. The ALPHA members have their philanthropic initiatives and collaborate with the Fullerton Elementary School District to provide essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness.

The Assistance League of Fullerton supports various community-based philanthropic programs that benefit people of all ages. The League’s philanthropic endeavors include several programs. Operation School Bell provides $114,000 annually in new school clothing to students in need who are attending elementary through junior high school in 8 area school districts. Vision Screening & Referral oversees and finances vision screenings for local school children from 20 area schools and provides eyeglasses when needed. Meals on Wheels provides low-cost meals to housebound seniors who cannot shop for groceries or prepare their meals. Santa’s Closet provides holiday help for families in need through gift cards from local retailers. Operation New Start supports adults and children who have left abusive environments with clothing and domestic items while they are in a protective setting.

For more information or to join the Assistance League of Fullerton, please visit: www.assistanceleague.org/fullerton/.

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