Great cocktails, amazing food and an awesome band brought Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and former First Selectman Jim Marpe to the Taste Of Westport on Wednesday night, joining CLASP development director Robin Hammond.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Westport-based nonprofit CLASP, which provides homes for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, held their most important fundraiser of the year last night at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. The 17th annual Taste of Westport was a huge success, welcoming close to 400 guests and surpassing the organization’s fundraising goal.

The highlight of the evening was the delicious food and drink: from savory appetizers and mouthwatering entrees to decadent desserts and signature cocktails, every palate was satisfied. Chefs from more than two dozen local establishments partnered with CLASP to create an unforgettable and exquisite culinary experience, all in support of a great cause.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The event also included an impressive silent auction with items including tickets to Yankees and Giants games, fine wines, diamond jewelry, and dining packages from many local restaurants. In between familiar tunes performed by Fairfield County favorite, the Bar Car Band, CLASP president Tracy Flood thanked guests for attending and encouraged them to bid. “Your generosity enables CLASP to continue providing programs and services that enrich the lives of the people we serve,” she said.

Taste of Westport has grown in the last few years, welcoming not only CLASP family and friends, but many community members who are drawn by the impressive list of participants. “It was heartwarming to see our long-time supporters alongside so many new faces,” Flood said. “It’s truly a testament to the power of our community to come together to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.”

For more information about CLASP and the work they do in the community, visit www.clasphomes.org.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.