Liz Wheeler and her dad, Carlton Wheeler, enjoy the Tastes from Around the World event held at the Bavarian Inn last Wednesday. Photo by Toni Milbourne.

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Traditions abound in Shepherdstown, and the annual Tastes from Around the World event — hosted at the Bavarian Inn to benefit Good Shepherd Interfaith Caregivers — is not one to be missed.

Ticket holders were provided with a variety of scrumptious food stations highlighting various dishes from around the world, prepared by the Bavarian staff. The Bavarian has partnered with Good Shepherd for this event at least since 2010, according to Good Shepherd Director Paula Marrone-Reese.

“I think this is the best one yet,” Marrone-Reese said. “We are so blessed to have the Bavarian as a partner in this event.”

The tasting came with a ticket price of $75, with $38.50 going to the restaurant to help cover costs, and the remainder entering the coffers of Good Shepherd.

“I know it seems like we are always doing fundraisers, and we are!” Marrone-Reese said. “I wish people understood that we don’t bill anyone for service. We have one state grant and we have to raise the rest of the money to do what we do.”

Good Shepherd provides transportation to at least 60 individuals on a regular basis, including eight dialysis patients who must travel at least three times per week. All of the efforts are made by volunteers, because the agency does not have drivers.

“Our biggest part is staff coordinators, who organize the volunteers and who organize our fundraisers,” Marrone-Reese said.

And their work has paid off, as the Caregivers have just been awarded the West Virginia Nonprofit Association’s Award of Excellence for 2018, as well as the National Volunteer Caregiving Network Award of Excellence.

According to Marrone-Reese, the West Virginia Award was for agencies with a budget below $300,000. Good Shepherd’s annual budget is approximately $175,000. Several other agencies with different budget levels also received state awards. Good Shepherd was the only nonprofit to receive the national award.

“Someone nominated us,” Marrone-Reese said. “We just weren’t expecting it.”

Supporter Liz Wheeler attended the Tastes event with her father, Carlton Wheeler, who will soon be a recipient of the agency’s services.

“Dad just moved here from Oregon,” Liz said. “He needs social interactions.”

Marrone-Reese commended Liz and all of the event attendees for their support.

“Thank you for helping the community — you’re not just helping Good Shepherd,” Marrone-Reese said.