There are few things as capable of gathering as many people together in the south as food, and that’s exactly what Red Cross officials are banking on as their biggest annual event draws near.

Don Johnson, director of the Covington County chapter of the American Red Cross, said the eighth annual “Taste of Covington County” will take place Mon., April 28, at the Andalusia Kiwanis center from 6 to 8 p.m.

Johnson said the event is fairly simple – good company getting together with good food, and all for a good cause.

“Back when we were looking for a fundraiser, we came up with the ‘Taste of Covington County’ because it’s springtime and people want to get out of their houses and get together,” Johnson said. “We invited as many restaurants as we could get.”

Almost a decade later, Johnson said the event usually draws between 20 and 23 restaurants and as many as 500 hungry visitors.

“The restaurants provide a ‘taste’ to the patrons, who buy tickets for $15,” Johnson said. “You pretty much get enough to eat.”

Johnson said all proceeds from the event go towards funding local disaster relief efforts.

“All of the money stays right here in Covington County for help with family disasters that we have pop up periodically, like fires and flooding and that sort of thing,” he said. “The event is the only community fundraiser that our chapter hosts each year to help fund the many local family disasters that occur in the county.”

Johnson said, each year, an average of 30 “family disasters” occur in Covington County, adding the proceeds from “Taste of Covington County” go a long way in helping victims recover.

“It costs nothing for vendors, other than providing time and food; plus we give them a tax receipt if they would like it,” he said.

Johnson said the event also typically draws around 30 sponsors, a group he is currently working to put together.

“We are asking for support to make this year’s event the best ever,” he said.

Sponsorship levels include: the platinum level -$1,500 to be recognized on sponsorship banner and in advertising and to receive up to 10 tickets; the gold level – $750 to be recognized and receive up to six tickets; the silver level – $500 to be recognized and receive up to four tickets; and the bronze level – $150 to be recognized and receive up to two tickets.

For more information, or to sign up as a participating restaurant or sponsor, call 334.428.2680.