Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares

Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares Restaurant Participation

The Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares (TOTLC) is more than just a culinary event; it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and local resilience. Local supporters will sip, taste, and meet local chefs and cooks as they compete in a Chopped-style food competition, including mystery ingredient from our pantry. 

As a restaurant participant, you will gain access to a targeted audience of community leaders, business owners, philanthropists and local supporters, giving you the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and to showcase the creativity of your restaurant.

Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares

Why Participate as a Restaurant?

By participating in this event, you are joining hands with Tri-Lakes Cares to combat food insecurity, provide emergency support, and strengthen our community.

  • Make a Local Impact 
  • Show Your Commitment to the Community
  • Brand Exposure 
  • Build Connections
  • Showcase Your Restaurant
  • Have Fun at The Event!

Event Details

Date: May 14, 2025
Venue: Spruce Mountain Events
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Expected Attendance: 350+ local supporters, community leaders, and business owners
Sponsor: Become a Sponsor
Donate: Donate to Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares

Sounds fun, we want to showcase our dish!

Can't make it? You can still help!

Helpful Restaurant Participant Information

Marketing Promotion of the Event
  • Tri-Lakes Cares website event page – your restaurant name with link to your restaurant website
  • Tri-Lakes Cares Facebook page (nearly 2,500 followers) – Your restaurant will receive “shout out” on Facebook as participant & a “tag” if you have a Facebook page
  • Tri-Lakes Cares 2x-monthly, e-newsletter (2,000+ subscribers) – Your restaurant will be listed in the e-newsletter as a participant
  • Event attendance: 300 to 350 local individuals
  • Your restaurant will have the opportunity to promote itself during the event with the attendees and provide coupons if desired
  • The event will be promoted through The Tribune (local newspaper, a Gazette Publication covering northern El Paso County, circulation 13,721 households every week)
  • Planned ads in Our Community News (local, independent newspaper, circulation over 20,000 households monthly)
  • Flyers posted in the community – over 30 locations

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  • Please arrive at 4 p.m. to set up your stations
  • Tasting will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.
  • The event will wrap up at 8:30 p.m.
  • Your mystery pantry food items will be delivered to you on or before May 9th
  • A 6-foot table and two chairs will be set up for you at the venue when you arrive
  • Access to an electrical outlet if requested in advance
  • Canned Green Beans
  • Canned Corn
  • Cream of Celery Soup
  • Macaroni
  • Flaked Potatoes
  • Brick Cheese

Please be creative with the contents! You may add ingredients from your own kitchen to enhance what you receive. Please feel free to do sweet or savory or both. Actual “pantry food items” will be determined closer to event date and will be supplied to participating chefs 1 week prior to event date.

  • At least two people from your restaurant to serve your creation
  • Tablecloths
  • Chafing dish (or container of your choice)
  • Serving Utensils / Knives / Forks / Cutting boards – whatever you need to prepare your meal
  • 400+ 2 – 3 ounce souffle cups or small plates
  • Plastic Silverware (knife, fork, spoon, whatever works best with your creation)
  • Napkins
  • Extension cord if needed (Please let us know if you need access to an electrical outlet)
  • Business cards for your restaurant
  • Menus from your restaurant
  • Coupons to drive future business
  • Any other promotional material you would like


Any questions, call Katie (719) 370-1317.

TOTLC Restaurant Registration

Once submitted, you will be contacted by the Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares Event Coordinator.