By Charly SHELTON

Prom is almost here and that means Prom Plus is gearing up for its annual event. After hosting several fundraising events since the beginning of the school year, the last two fundraisers are planned: a bingo night and the ever-popular Taste of Montrose. These events are being held by and for the organization Prom Plus, which hosts a post-prom party – a $20,000 prom after-party that keeps prom-goers entertained, engaged and, most of all, safe.

“As the Prom Plus season draws to a close – the event is May 19 – our team is looking forward to these last fundraisers,” said Robin Goldsworthy, president of Prom Plus and publisher of the CV Weekly. “Our bingo night, which is Saturday, April 28, is a newer outreach opportunity. We held our first bingo night a year ago and, due to its success, decided to host another this year. Bingo has become very popular in the Crescenta Valley and there’s no doubt as to why: it’s a fun way to support local nonprofit groups while having the chance to win some money!”

The bingo night will be held at the American Legion, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the first game beginning at 6 p.m. Food will be available to purchase and tickets are $15 for four cards for 10 games, and includes a dauber.

Following the bingo night will be the annual Taste of Montrose on May 6. This food festival stretches the entire length and breadth of the Montrose Shopping Park, and features bits and bites from many of the local restaurants. Not only are the brick-and-mortar restaurants in Montrose participating, like Bobaloca, Ocean View Bar & Grill, Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria, Zeke’s and Rest Farmhouse Inspired, but other local restaurants that are not within walking distance will be taking part, including Frank’s Famous, Baked Bear and Togo’s, which will have booths set up in a food court area at the east end of the Shopping Park.

“This is the 12th annual Taste of Montrose event this year and it is always one of my favorites,” Goldsworthy said. “Not only do you get to taste so many great local flavors and try restaurants you’ve never been to, but it also takes place during the Wags ‘n’ Whiskers/Kids ‘n’ Kritters festival along Honolulu Avenue. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with great food and fluffy friends?”

The Taste of Montrose will be held Sunday, May 6 in the Montrose Shopping Park. Tickets are $20 and include tastes at the participating restaurants from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for both Taste of Montrose and bingo night can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at the offices of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, 3131 Foothill Blvd., ‘D’ and the offices of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, 3800 La Crescenta Ave. #101 in La Crescenta.

For more information, call Robin Goldsworthy at (818) 248-2740.

  Charly Shelton