If the North Royalton City Schools were a meal to be enjoyed, it would be a warm, welcoming plate of hearty, perfectly blended flavors that complemented one another and begged for seconds. This imaginary meal and its characteristics came to life and were loved by many Nov. 1 as the North Royalton Educational Foundation and North Royalton Stadium Foundation cooked up its annual Taste of North Royalton event.
Held at St. Paul Hellenic Center, the event featured representatives from more than 20 restaurants, delis and caterers handing out tasting samples of their all-time favorite and best-selling concoctions. Event goers were also able to play sideboards and bid on 100 colorful raffle baskets with varied themes.
Proceeds from the annual Taste of North Royalton event, which always sells out of its 400 tickets, are divided equally between the two fundraising arms, with as much as $20,000 total dollars raised, said Assistant Superintendent Jim Presot. The North Royalton Educational Foundation earmarks its share for teacher grants and student scholarships and the North Royalton Stadium Foundation uses their proceeds for improvements and maintenance at Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium, which is set to replace its turf within the next three years.
The Taste of North Royalton is popular for a reason; it’s a win-win for both attendees and participating vendors, some of which included: Jaipur Junction, Amici’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge, The 3 Spot, Tom & Chee, Bistro 82, Kona Ice, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Mission BBQ, Brennan’s Catering and Banquet Center and more. The crowd Nov. 1 was a friendly, supportive mix of school employees and officials, city leaders, fundraising and committee members, parents of both current and graduated students, residents and even nonresidents who came to sample tasty foods and support a great cause.
“We’re all from Parma but we love going to these types of events and helping raise money for efforts,” said Joann Kosciamski of her friends and tablemates.
For John Adams, a recently hired manager at Cleat’s Club Seat Grille and participating restaurant vendor, the event helped him get to know North Royalton’s many faces. And for Serena Raybould Evans, the owner of the newly-opened Kavana Social Kitchen at 13570 Ridge Road, the Taste of North Royalton gave her team the chance to show off their creative menu, as it also did for Chris Stalla and Bruce Jacobs of The Hidden Backyard, which recently opened on Royalton Road replacing the long vacant Tonight Tonight.
The Taste of North Royalton gave parents Lara and Mike Shiplett the opportunity to network with community members and visit familiar faces. Six-year residents Laura and Russ Donda said they enjoyed meeting new people and supporting the schools.
“Kids really are the whole future and having a good school system really leads the way in making that connection,” Russ said.
School Board Vice President John H. Kelly enjoyed mingling with passionate city residents, many of which attended the event though they no longer have children enrolled in the district.
“I’m so thankful for that continued support and it really says something for our community,” he said.
Becky Cozzens, vice president of the North Royalton Educational Foundation and mother of four, said the event is a wonderful way to both enjoy a delicious variety of foods and show support.
“It’s just a great feeling when you know you are raising money and also enjoying such a great time,” she said.

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer