RESPOND, Inc. was this year’s grateful beneficiary of the Taste of Somerville event. – Photo by Bill Rogers

By Tatiana Kombo

On June 5, over 30 restaurants from the Somerville area gathered for the 14th annual Taste of Somerville event at the Holiday Inn. Participating eateries included Highland Kitchen, the infamous Redbones- which celebrated its 25th birthday this year- and Kickass Cupcakes.

The evening of community and culinary discoveries was not merely entertainment, however; every year, a different local cause or non-profit is selected by the Somerville Chamber Dining & Nightlife Group to become a beneficiary of the famed feast. This time around, the nation’s second oldest domestic violence agency, RESPOND, Inc. was selected.

RESPOND, a recipient of the Powderhouse Award for Nonprofit of the Year from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, has proved itself to be a critical local resource for victims of domestic abuse, both in terms of advocacy and assistance. Indeed, RESPOND has been leading the movement to end domestic violence through direct services for the past 37 years. According to the organization’s executive director, Jessica Brayden,  “RESPOND was thrilled to receive the support of the Chamber of Commerce, sponsors, the over 30 restaurants who provided delicious treats and the volunteers and patrons” who all participated in the fun and food-filled evening.

– Photo by Bill Rogers

Jessica Brayden, for whom the Taste of Somerville was “a wild success,” further notes that “the proceeds of the event are going to support RESPOND’s life saving education, prevention and intervention services that reach and support about 10,000 people a year.” With the continued support of local businesses and volunteers, RESPOND can maintain its capacity to promote mental and physical health in truly pivotal ways.