Delicious cuisines, a friendly atmosphere and some 500 people who want to help a worthy cause came together and made the 19th annual Taste of Burlington County an outstanding success.

The Merion in Cinnaminson served as the site Oct. 9 where 17 restaurants and 500 guests from the community came together to show their support and help to raise funds for Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities, which was established in Burlington County in 1978. PHDVS provides an array of services to victims of domestic abuse and their children free of charge.

The $52,000 that was raised through the Oct. 19 event will benefit PHDVS’ comprehensive services which include: a 24-hour hotline, an undisclosed emergency safe house, non-residential individual and group sessions in the PHDVS counseling center in Delran, legal advocacy and the PALS (Peace – A Learned Solution) program for children and teenagers who have witnessed domestic violence in their homes.

Among the eateries on hand to serve dishes to the guests were: Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream; Don Pablo’s; The Merion; Throwbacks Bar and Grill; Whistlers Inn; Burlington County Special, Services School; P.F. Changs; Georgetti’s Market; Holiday Ice Cream and Café; Chili’s Bar and Grill; Cracker Barrel of Mount Laurel; Breakfast Nook/Dredge Harbor Dockside Café; Cathy’s Catering; Villa Mannino; Pie Lady Café; Milanese of Riverton, and Columbus Cupcakery. Three of the restaurants were first time participants in the Taste, and there were several which have participated since the Taste was started 19 years ago. Major event sponsors were Bayada Home Health Care and TRG CARES.

“This event was successful because of them and their dedication to their community as well as our talented and generous volunteers and supporters,” according to Mary Pettrow, associate director of PHDVS.