by Zacch Estrada-Petersen

The Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville will host its fourth annual Taste of the Lake fundraising benefit on Sept. 15 at the home of Randy and Betty Marion.

The gala, which features food, drinks, music and a live and silent auction, generally draws a crowd of 200-300 people. This year’s goal is to raise $58,000, all of which stays within the Lake Norman community to support the YMCA’s programs in the area.

“Taste of the Lake is actually the branch’s biggest fundraiser,” Lowe’s YMCA Interim Executive Director Erika Arnold said in a news release. “It’s not only a fun night with great food, but a great opportunity to truly impact our community.”

Individual tickets for Taste of the Lake cost $75 per person, and table sponsorships can be purchased for $1,000. Food will be provided, buffet-style, by more than half a dozen local restaurants: Tasteful Solutions, Pomodoro’s, Epic Chophouse, Jeffrey’s, eeZ Fusion, LaPatisserie and Coldstone Creamery. Beer and wine have also been donated to the benefit.

“The event, by its name, includes some of the premier restaurants in the area,” YMCA North Community’s Senior Marketing Director Jason Lampton said. “So it gives our guests an opportunity to sample some of their food, and it gives the restaurants an opportunity to showcase some of their best dishes.”

Auction items already confirmed include autographed sports memorabilia, a Lake Norman cruise with Champion Charters and a day trip package to Atlanta, complete with a private jet flight for eight and round of golf for four at East Lake Club.

Additional items are still being solicited and will be added throughout the week leading up to the fundraiser.

“We have had some great donations and have some really fantastic and exciting live auction packages,” Lowe’s YMCA Financial Development Director Megan Lynch said. “And all the funds we raise will go right back in to the Mooresville/Lake Norman community.”

In addition to the community benefit, Taste of the Lake will serve as a networking event.

“A lot of the prominent citizens of the Mooresville area will be there,” Lampton said. “So it’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle with some very important people.”

Randy Marion, who heads Randy Marion Automotive Group, has owned a handful of automotive dealerships in the area since 1990. He and Betty have been involved with a number of charitable causes over the years.

“We’re very excited to be having it at the Marion’s house,” Lynch said. “They’re very big supporters of the Lowe’s YMCA and our mission to serve the community.”

The YMCA, a national organization whose mission is to “put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” has 19 branches in the greater Charlotte area.

Proceeds from Taste of the Lake will go toward literacy, youth development and cancer support groups for youth and families in the area.

“We’re kind of going with the ‘Food, Fun and Philanthropy’ notion for the event, because it’s really all three of those things,” Lampton said.

Taste of the Lake will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit www.ymcacharlotte.org/lowes.