UrbanPromise, founded and located in Camden, hosts Taste of Promise, a showcase for area eateries that benefits the nonprofit’s youth programs.
UrbanPromise – a Camden nonprofit whose purpose is to provide safe, academic and spiritual support for children in underserved communities – will host one of its signature events at the Community House of Moorestown on Friday, March 27.
Taste of Promise, a showcase for notable area restaurants and caterers, will include fare prepared by local chefs, wine and beer from around the region and the world, auctions of sports and travel and a beer garden. Proceeds will help ensure hundreds of Camden children and teens are engaged in meaningful programming and employment this summer through UrbanPromise.
“For us to be able to have people come out and support (UrbanPromise) is huge,” said Shannon Oberg, the organization’s creative director. “ … It’s always really encouraging, the support and the number of people that really stand by what we’re doing … Many people that come, many of them volunteer with us year-round …
“There’s a whole ecosystem of support.”
UrbanPromise was founded in Camden and inspired by speaker, author and sociologist Dr. Tony Campolo. It prioritizes personal wellness and resilience, empowering youth to successfully overcome challenges, build competence and find hope in every situation.
The organization draws from the Christian tradition to offer youth a worldview infused with hope, faith, purpose and a commitment to community service. Its offerings include teen employment; after-school programs and summer camps; and the wellness program UrbanTrekkers, an outdoor, hands learning and mentoring program.
A showcase for the area’s most distinct restaurants and caterers, Taste of Promise will include food from local chefs. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit UrbanPromise.
More than 30 organizations that adhere to the UrbanPromise model have been launched around the world. All of its sites and affiliate ministries strive to provide children and youth with the support needed to succeed academically and develop into leaders of positive change in their communities.
“We have a really wide range to support Camden city youth, provide them opportunities to – whether it’s through employment or through activities – provide a safe space for them to grow as young leaders in the city,” explained Tam Do, donor engagement officer for UrbanPromise.
“The heart of what we do is really create a community of support for young people,” Oberg noted. “If you talk to any of our alumni or our kids, they often refer to UrbanPromise as a family. We’re like a second family to the youth and their families.”
VIP ticket holders for a Taste of Promise will join a private, half-hour preview starting at 6 p.m., access to fine wines and admission to an exclusive after-party. General admission will start at 6:30. For more information, visit www.urbanpromiseusa.org/events/taste/.
