From Kendra Cole: EdUCate! is a non-profit foundation created in 1993 to raise supplemental funds for the five University City public schools. Our founders decided to raise funds for those “out of pocket” extras that the school district could not provide.
The original volunteers included Deb Horwitz, MaryKay Hewitt, Drs. Bruce Robbins and Elaine Hanson. The first meeting was a small “tea and cookie” event in a bank lobby. Back then, school foundations were not commonplace and tasting events weren’t available every weekend. But everyone knew good schools were key to a good neighborhood, and the idea of adding some private and business support to the schools’ budgets resonated deeply.
In 1994, the first Taste of the Triangle was held in the Bank of America lobby where guests were served treats from a few local restaurants, such as Lorna’s and The French Gourmet. The event was so successful, EdUCate! board members knew it needed to get bigger.
The Board recruited Rashmi Bhargava and Louise Edwards, the first Co-Chairs of Taste. These two instrumental women, with no budget, visited and patronized, and begged the local restaurants to support Taste of the Triangle. They built Taste into EdUCate!’s signature event, where it still stands strong.
The majority of EdUCate! funds are distributed to schools through teacher and principal grants. It is the front-line educators who are in the best position to know classroom and school needs that determine how EdUCate! funds are used. EdUCate!’s activities are overseen by an all-volunteer board of directors, composed of parents, local business owners, and other members of the community.
Today, Taste of the Triangle includes a VIP reception, music, dancing, auctions, and lots of tastes from excellent restaurants. Continue the tradition and come join us for our 2025 Taste of the Triangle on Friday, March 21, 7-10p at Farmer & the Seahorse. More information and tickets are available at: uceducate.org/taste- of-the-triangle
If you’d like to get involved, please contact us at: information@uc-educate.org
Please note that UCCA is one of many proud sponsors of EdUCate!
