After two years on the shelf, a scrumptious fundraising tradition is making its return this week.

The 2022 Taste of Henry is set for September 23, from 5-8 p.m., at Southern Belle Farm, 1658 Turner Church Road in McDonough. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $10 for children ages 3-12.

Attendees will be able to sample from more than 30 food and drink vendors, and a number of children’s attractions at the farm will also be available to enjoy.

“Taste of Henry is a fundraiser for A Friend’s House, a nonprofit shelter for 24 children in crisis situations,” said Morgan Barnwell, director of development for the facility. Barnwell said she is looking forward to “connecting with the community” at Taste of Henry.

“Even as vendors have signed up for the event, I’ve been introduced to venues that I’m eager to explore,” said Barnwell.
A Friend’s House, for the first time, is partnering with Southern Belle Farm to host Taste of Henry and Barnwell is hopeful that the venue will accommodate supporters of the shelter.

“We’ve never had it at Southern Belle Farm before,” said Barnwell. “We were just trying to be more intentional with giving people more room to spread out and not be so crowded.”

Sponsors for Taste of Henry include Southern Grace Hospice, SCB-TV, Countryside Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram, the Kiwanis Club of Henry County, and The Corwyn South Point.

Approximately 2,000 people attended Taste of Henry in 2019. Barnwell said COVID-19 resulted in the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021.

“This is our first time back in two years due to the pandemic,” said Barnwell. “We rely on fundraisers for about 43 percent of our budget. This event is extremely important to our team and to our children.”

Thirty local vendors will offer selections from their menus, in what has become a fundraising tradition in Henry County. Items at Taste of Henry will include barbecue, cookies, candies, drinks and more, said Barnwell.

“We want all of our Henry County friends to feel invited,” said Barnwell. “It’s a very inclusive and interactive event.
“I think at our heart, we’re all foodies,” she continued. “Food is something that brings people together, and that they’re able to bond over.”

Several vendors are scheduled to participate in Taste of Henry for the first time this year, including Starshines Cafe, T&T Meats, Knight’s Market, and Wing and Waffle Factory. Barnwell said Taste of Henry has grown considerably since its first year, which featured just 10 restaurants.

She expressed gratitude for the eateries which have supported A Friend’s House since the beginning, as well as those which are doing so for the first time this month.

“It’s good to have new and seasoned participants,” said Barnwell.

Barnwell said attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite vendors at the event. The fundraiser will also feature a disc jockey and stage games.

Thompson’s Market in McDonough, has been in business in McDonough for 23 years, and will take part in Taste of Henry for the 10th time this month. Owner Monterey Thompson said she is looking forward to serving tomato sandwiches at the fundraiser once again.

“We are thrilled to have this awesome event back,” said Thompson. “it is always a good time for all, and the fact that it benefits such an amazing facility is icing on the cake. We are blessed to have A Friend’s House in McDonough, and it’s an honor to play a small role in helping them.”

Starshines Cafe will offer samples of duck confit gnocchi with a sage brown butter sauce and roasted butternut squash. Owner and Executive Chef, Bryan Thoman, said he is glad to show his support for A Friend’s House through Taste of Henry.

“The event hasn’t been able to happen the last few years, due to obvious reasons, so we were very excited to be able to be a part of it,” said Thoman. “Not only is it for a great cause, but it gives us an opportunity to be able to connect with people that may not know much about us.”

Loren Montgomery and her husband, Mario, are the co-owners of Wings and Waffle Factory, a mobile catering business.
The couple will have hot wings and waffles, in a variety of flavors, available for sampling at Taste of Henry.

“We started out really small, in 2019, but had to close down because of all the COVID restrictions,” said Loren Montgomery. “To be able to participate in Taste of Henry is an accomplishment. just because of everything we’ve had to go through with our company.”

Southern Grace Community Liaison, Yasna Grainger, said Taste of Henry is part of the hospice’s mission to give back to patients, their families and the community.

“Our motto is to ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2),” said Grainger. Therefore it is very important for us to support A Friend’s House as they help the foster children in our community. These kids have gone through crisis situations that have been life-altering for them. These kids deserve a chance in life, with the help and love of a strong community.

“Southern Grace Hospice is proud and happy to be a part of this year’s Taste of Henry,” continued Grainger. “We are deeply grateful to so many caring restaurants and businesses who have come together for the benefit of A Friend’s House. Thank you for being part of their village.”

Tickets available online or at the gate the day of the event. For more information, visit www.tasteofhenry.org.