Above: CEO Terri Bonoff, far left, poses with The Tasting Experience Choir

The Tasting Experience 2024 was a great success! We welcomed over 700 enthusiastic attendees and raised an incredible $400,000 for our nonsectarian Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (IDDS) at JF&CS. The jubilant event featured delicious bites and tastes from over 20 of Atlanta’s top restaurants and caterers, refreshing libations from top distributors, and crafted mocktails at our HAMSA bar.

“The Tasting Experience has the best donors, guests and volunteer leadership, which is why it's Atlanta's best fundraiser!” said Allison Holmes, Events and Special Projects Manager.

Above: one of many delicious bites offered at the event

The “Why” Behind The “Wow!”

As always, our IDDS clients were an important part of the festivities. Not only did clients sample and mingle alongside other guests, but they greatly contributed to the evening: The Tasting Experience Choir, comprised of IDDS clients, performed a beautiful set of live music for guests.

“Words fall short to describe the impact of hearing our IDDS clients sing with passion and gusto!” said Terri Bonoff, JF&CS CEO. “There was not a dry eye in the room- this performance shined a light on why we do what we do and brought so much love and joy to the families and friends of all who are entrusted in our care. We are a community encircling our clients and their voices rang out last night with beauty."

Above: Client art by Artist Collective

Additionally, our silent auction featured original art created by IDDS clients who participate in our Artist Collective, a volunteer-run art program offered through our Community Access Group. The art itself was a highly coveted feature of the successful silent auction.

Funding from The Tasting Experience goes to support the Community Access Group at IndependenceWORKS, as well as our Supported Employment Program and Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program. We are so grateful to all who supported this meaningful event.

Above: Our Exceptional Event Leadership

If you missed the event but still want to support our IDDS programs, click here. To stay in-the-loop on all of our events and services, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!