Oh, what a night! All the pieces were in place for the perfect evening: a scenic drive through rolling hills, delicious and creative food offerings, an engaging atmosphere, and active participation to ensure the success of a very worthy cause.

On May 14, Tri-Lakes Cares outdid itself once again, presenting Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares at the stellar venue Spruce Mountain Events in Larkspur. Fourteen restaurants participated in the sold-out event, serving up generous samples of their signature dishes.

Haley Chapin, Executive Director of TLC, was delighted with the support from sponsors, attendees, participating restaurants, and TLC staff and volunteers.

“Our thanks go to both the restaurants and donors”, she said. “Funds raised and funds saved allow us to continue to serve the growing population in El Paso County.”

The goal of the nonprofit is stated in TLC’s mission statement: “We empower families and individuals to reach toward a better tomorrow”.

The spacious event center was teeming with enthusiastic attendees, who appreciated discovering the culinary masterpieces awaiting them. They were greeted by what can only be described as a charcuterie tower. Included was a plethora of meats, cheeses, bread and crackers, and fruits.

The main attraction was of course the offerings from the restaurants. Some of them ran short due to the popularity of their tastings. But not to worry, there was plenty for everyone. Appetizers, soups, hearty entrees and delectable desserts were available to all who were making the rounds, sampling and sipping wine from the cash bar.

A few favorites are worth mentioning. Delicious chicken pesto skewers from Black Forest Cafe could be an appetizer or entree. Black Forest Bistro was the winner in over a dozen categories of the Colorado Springs Gazette’s 2025 Best of the Springs awards. The Bistro’s small plates of fettuccine Alfredo and Cowboy Pork Chop with wild mushroom and walnut oat risotto were both clear winners at the event.

My Neighbor Felix served up a tasty cochinita tostada served with a variety of garnishments. A clear favorite was the smashburger slider with gruyere, caramelized onions and garlic aioli made by uva wine bar. Who doesn’t enjoy tasty barbeque from Dickeys, or macaroni and cheese from I Heart Mac & Cheese?

The Local Landing is the place to go for a bar with bites. Owners Jeff and Angie Bannon served up a hearty Frito pie. Papa’s Italian Restaurant served meatballs made from Grandma Bruno’s family recipe, combining half ground beef and half sausage.

Finishing up with amazing desserts at The French Kitchen was a given. Three of their most popular items provided a mouthwatering finish to the repast. Homemade chocolate chip cookies are made with European ingredients. Raspberry Chocolatines are a sandwich of raspberry puree, vanilla cream, and Belgian chocolate dip between croissants. Queenets are made from croissants dipped in butter and sugar, served with a butter caramel sauce.

Attendees, many with a glass of wine, eventually gathered in the reception hall for a program highlighting the accomplishments of TLC, to hear a personal mission moment from a TLC neighbor, and to have an opportunity to make donations.

Bill Lyons, TLC director of development and planning, gratefully recognized and thanked the 25 event sponsors, noting that what TLC does couldn’t be done without them. For 41 years TLC has ensured that all who seek help are seen and cared for.

An emotional and inspiring mission moment was presented by Raquel Garcia; who is the chief innovation officer of HardBeauty, and executive director of the HardBeauty Foundation. Through tears Garcia shared her story, and the role TLC has played in providing her with essential support, as her family struggled to make a fresh start in El Paso County. At TLC she found compassion, without judgment or hoops to jump through.

After the death of a close friend due to substance abuse, Garcia spiraled out of control as she battled her own addictions. TLC was instrumental in helping her see herself in a positive light. She eventually went into rehab, and has now been sober for over 15 years. Garcia notes that the story doesn’t end there, and she has come full circle. With ongoing support from TLC, Garcia gained confidence as she assisted victims of the Black Forest Fire in 2013. She now owns several businesses, is a foster mother to 3 children, and created an inclusive whole-life recovery hub to assist others with their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Garcia emphasizes that Haley Chapin continues to say “yes” to her requests, and is an active role model for her.

The event neared completion with the paddle raise as attendees cemented their support of TLC through generous donations. Ardent supporter Duane Beckmann led off with a check for $30,000 to honor of his parents. Additional donations ranging from $100 to $10,000 were enthusiastically pledged, after TLC Board President Rick Schur exclaimed: “You don’t ask, you don’t get!” The goal of $125,000 was expected to be exceeded.

The light from the setting sun streamed through a window just off the stage, illuminating the animated faces of the cheering crowd as the donations rolled in. It could be described as symbolic of the bright light TLC casts on those in need in north El Paso County. Schur recognized and thanked donors, board members, past and present elected officials, TLC staff, and the generous contributions of participating restaurants that led to the huge success of the event.