Taste of the Ozarks raises record $220K

Taste of the Ozarks, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks' largest fundraiser, raised more than $220,000, a record for the event.

The 12th annual fundraiser represented a revenue increase of 27 percent compared to the 2013 event. Over 700 people attended the July 25 culinary fundraiser at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center, according to a news release.

"In the past nine years I have been involved with this event, I have never seen such a generous crowd, and I would like to thank our sponsors, donors and patrons for their overwhelming support in making Taste of the Ozarks 2014 the most successful year yet," Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Katie Davis said in the release.

The event - which included a live auction and a sold-out $20,000 cash raffle at $100 per ticket sponsored by Commerce Trust Co. - was host to 11 restaurants, which competed for best appetizer, best entree and best dessert. Ocean Zen swept the three categories, with Jimm's Steakhouse & Pub winning the People's Choice Award, according to the release.

Proceeds from the event benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks' mission to support children facing adversity by pairing them with adult mentors.[[In-content Ad]]