Taste of The Bay Benefit Draws a Crowd

Save The Bay’s fourth annual Taste of The Bay drew more than 300 supporters to the organization’s bayside location to sample the local flavors of Narragansett Bay on Thurs, Jun 11. More than 30 vendors served up delicious bite-sized dishes featuring locally grown or produced oysters, scallops, fish, vegetables, breads, meat, desserts, beer, wine and much more. As the sun set over Narragansett Bay, guests mingled, went back for seconds and thirds, walked along the coastal trail and relaxed on Save The Bay’s waterfront lawn to the sounds of Bob Tomassone. Many purchased original paintings by Tom Martino to further benefit Save The Bay.

The event was the culmination of Save The Bay’s 45^th annual meeting, during which six community members were honored for their environmental stewardship. Dr. Candace Oviatt, oceanography professor at the University of Rhode Island, received Save The Bay’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Angelo Liberti of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management received the Environmental Achievement Award; and Dave McLaughlin, co-founder and executive director of Clean Ocean Access, received the Alison J. Walsh Award for Environmental Advocacy. Save The Bay also honored Gaudet Middle School science teacher Heidi Gauch as its Bay Educator of the Year, Isra Siddiq as its Bay Student of the Year, and Louise Pryor as its Volunteer of the Year.

Taste of The Bay was generously sponsored by Newport Biodiesel, LGC & D/CPAs & Business Advisors, Bank of America, Locke Lord LLP, Regency Plaza, William Raveis, Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island, Cold Masters, Met Life, and Neighborhood Health Plan. The event was also supported by Bottles Fine Wine, EcoRI News, Motif magazine, RI Food Fights, Whole Foods Market and Academy Bus Lines. A full list of vendors in attendance can be found at savebay.org/taste. 

Founded in 1970, Save The Bay works to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed through advocacy, education and restoration efforts. Events such as Taste of The Bay generate funds to support the organization’s vision for a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to everyone and globally recognized as an environmental treasure.