Wheeling 'Taste of the Town' revenue doubles

Wheeling's Taste of the Town "Healthy Harvest" celebration last month at the Westin Chicago North Shore drew nearly 900 attendees who enjoyed tastings, select wine and craft beers from more than 20 local restaurants and sponsors along with live entertainment, silent auction and raffle prizes.

Nearly $40,000 was raised to benefit the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A portion of proceeds will also benefit three local charities: Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School, Cancer Wellness Center and the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago.

The event nearly doubled the total revenue raised in 2013 and attendance rose about 50 percent.

"A major portion of the funding for the chamber's local business retention and service programming relies on funds raised from Taste of the Town, thus supporting continued vitality of our renowned Restaurant Row," said Frank D'Angelo, general manager of Tuscany-Wheeling and 2014 Taste of the Town event chair.

"The restaurants and hotels along the portion of Milwaukee Avenue known as Restaurant Row generate more than $86 million in revenue for our state and local economy, providing needed entry-level jobs as well as long-term career opportunities. As such, this corridor represents a major economic engine for our region and we're thrilled by the success of Taste of the Town 2014."