Azul Latin Kitchen raises $11,000 for Tahoe Arts Project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past year, Azul Latin Kitchen in South Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Village has been fundraising for Tahoe Arts Project (TAP). The fruits of their efforts were presented to TAP during their public Williams Duo concert on Januar 30.

Each year Azul Latin Kitchen selects a local nonprofit to be the recipient of their fundraising for the year. In 2017 it was Tahoe Youth and Family Services, last year Live Violence Free, then in 2019 TAP.

The annual fundraising effort culminated in a fundraising party at the restaurant in December where there was a taco buffet dinner, margarita and drink specials, live music and raffle prizes.

At the TAP concert, a check was presented to Executive Director Peggy Blowney for $11,000.

"Azul Latin Kitchen is proud to support our community through frequent fundraising events," said Ray Villaman, owner and CEO of Tahoe Restaurant Group. "This night was a collaborative group effort between Tahoe Restaurant Group's management, Azul Latin Kitchen employees, TAP volunteers, and many local companies and individuals who supported with amazing raffle prizes. I am particularly proud of our GM, Lauren Lappine, for orchestrating this event, along with assistance from our Bar Manager Bob Caron. A big thank you also goes to our generous team members which made this donation possible."

Villamen says the company donates about $100,000 over the past five years through similar fundraising efforts at each of their four restaurants. A big held at the events comes from staff who donate their hours of work as well as tips. Their other locations are Base Camp Pizza, also in the Heavenly Village, Rubicon Pizza at Northstar and Fireside Pizza Co. at Squaw Valley.

"All of us at Tahoe Arts Project are so grateful to the management and staff of Azul for selecting us as their nonprofit for 2019," said Blowney. "The Tacos for TAP event was super fun! Thank you to the dedicated staff who donated their time and to those of you who attended. The raffle was amazing and I appreciate all the businesses who donated prizes. The amount of money raised by Azul far exceeded our expectations. Thank you again to everyone involved for doing your part to enrich the lives of our Tahoe children."