Taste international delights at Ports of Call fundraiser slated for Thursday ... - gulflive (blog)

GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Escape the boring meatloaf dinner this week and go on a journey of international flavors that'll support a good cause.

CLIMB Community Development Corporation and its sponsors, the Port of Gulfport and Gulfport Main Street, will host the 2nd annual Ports of Call International Food and Heritage Festival on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

CLIMB CDC's largest fundraiser of the year will be held at the organization's event centre at 1316 30th Ave. in downtown Gulfport.

There will be tastings from more than 20 local restaurants, and there will be a silent auction and signature drinks.

Entertainment will include music by Jonathan Brennan, Zachery Fellman and Fella Soul. The Gulf Coast Second Liners Mardis Gras Club and Belly Dance Troupe Raq Sufi will also perform.

The event will feature an outdoor Italian grotto and food from other regional and international cuisines, including the Port of Latin America, the Port of Gulf Seafood, the Port of All Nations and the Port of Soul.

Adjacent to the grotto, local artists will display their works for viewing and purchase.

Participating restaurants include: Ms. Audrey's Catering, The Almanett, Aramark, Bacchus Food & Drink, Big Mike's Speak Easy, Chandeleur Brewing, Cheeky Monkey, The Chimneys, El Agave, Gelato De La Costa, Great Southern Club, Half Shell Oyster House, Juan Tequila's, Leo's Wood Fired Pizza, Melissa's Specialty Cakes, Murky Waters, Orchid, Phoenicia, Port City Café, Salute, Southern Flavor Catering and Steve's Marina.

Proceeds from the event will be utilized to support CLIMB CDC's job training programs for Opportunity Youth.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at www.climbcdc.org or at the door the night of the event. For more information call 228-864-6677.

"The Ports of Call event represents our connection between commerce and the community," commented Jonathan Daniels, executive director and CEO of the Port of Gulfport.

"Our support of this event and CLIMB CDC's youth programs also underscores our commitment to the local community, including the creation of jobs for low-to-moderate income families," he said.