Taste of Salt Lake is holding their 12th annual charity event in honor of cystic fibrosis (CF) research. This dining extravaganza has become one of the most sought after charitable events held in Utah, with catering from several 5-star restaurants as well as both live and silent auctions with all proceeds benefiting cystic fibrosis research.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease of the mucus glands that affects many body systems. The most common signs and symptoms of the disorder include progressive damage to the respiratory system and chronic digestive system problems. Cystic fibrosis is a rare disease with only 1 diagnosis in 3,500 newborns. Due to its rarity, all research and treatment developments are funded purely from donations, not by the government.
SLCC student and mother of a child with cystic fibrosis, Suzie Featherstone has high expectations for this year’s event, hoping to raise more than the event’s previous donation of $240,000. Featherstone, whose daughter was diagnosed at only six weeks old, has to endure hours of daily breathing treatments as well as a strict regimen of antibiotics.
“It’s been life changing, not just for me, but for our whole family. CF is a fatal disease that we have to manage everyday, but I have faith that there will be a cure in the future,” Featherstone said.
With events like Taste raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars for research, donated money allows doctors and scientists to study and test new effective ways to help better manage this disease. Treatments and medicines that are currently in the pipeline are used to thin the mucus that is trapped in the lungs due to poor circulation through airways and in the digestive system. These advances over the past decade have made the life expectancy of persons with cystic fibrosis go from just 7 years to now 36 years of age. With there being no cure for cystic fibrosis at this time, these treatments help patients to live a longer more fulfilling life.
“Attending Taste is a great way for you to join the local community in support for cystic fibrosis,” said Ashley Peterson, Directory of Special Events for the CF Foundation.
This event has been a great tradition for allowing both families affected with cystic fibrosis and any supporter of this cause to come together and not only enjoy delicious food from over 20 local restaurants such as La Caille, Café Trio, Flemmings Prime Steakhouse, and Ruth’s Chris, but to also take part in an auction from over 40 sponsors including The Utah Jazz and American Express.
Taste of Salt Lake is a formal event that will be held on Nov. 13, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. Tammy Sloan, wife of Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan, will serve as chairwoman of the event.
For tickets and more information about Taste of Salt Lake and other CF related events, visit http://cff.org and search your local Utah/Idaho chapter. The website includes both pictures and testimonials of local CF supporters in the community.