The annual sampler night hosted by Pattonville Renaissance was a successful fundraiser once again. More than 20 restaurants participated, some including Tony’s Donuts, McAlister’s Deli, Smoothie King, and Jilly’s Cupcake Bar and Café. The PHS Culinary Arts course even had a table where they gave away samples of baked goods.

About $3,000 was raised from this event, which will help fund other Renaissance events such as the Dessert Bar, and also helps pay for scholar athlete shirts, in addition to many other events, said Renaissance sponsor Mrs. Beth Moritz.

Moritz attributes the success of the night to the “student workers who are amazing as always, and our two chairmen this year, Danielle Siegel and Sarah Vik.”

Despite the severe weather, Moritz said the event “still ran smoothly, but we did have fewer walk-ins than in previous years.”

Unfortunately, the event was cut short by 30 minutes due to severe weather. Students and patrons at the event were required to move to the low ceiling room when the tornado siren went off. “The call was made by Mr. Fitzgerald, but thankfully it wasn’t too stressful. Students and patrons cooperated well,” said Moritz.

Moritz commented that each year is different, but this was the first year the Taste of Pattonville was impacted so much by the weather.