MONROE — Satiate their hunger. Support local businesses. Help the less fortunate.

Residents who attended the first Taste of Union event multi-tasked in a noble way Saturday.

Proceeds totaling $14,563 from the event, which showcased more than 20 county restaurants, went toward Operation Reach Out, a 25-year-old ministry in Monroe which provides grocery and fuel assistance, clothing, counseling and other programs to low-income residents.

Residents could buy tickets for the event in advance for $20 and for $25 at the door. In return, they experienced an evening of free and diverse food, music form local musicians and a chance to enter a raffle for a 42-inch television and a $500 grocery gift card. There was also a silent auction.

Modene Howie, an Operation Reach Out board member and its co-founder, got the idea for Taste of Union from a Mineral Springs fundraiser known as The World’s Largest Buffet, which asked residents to supply food dishes. Proceeds went toward local improvement projects such as landscaping.

“Modene finally got her big fundraiser,” said Kathy Ipapo, the organization’s board president. “What I’m excited about is that all these people have never heard of Operation Reach Out before.”

Following are some of the things seen and heard and yes — tasted — at Taste of Union:

Quote of the night:

“She’s the Mother Teresa of Union County. She’s almost always doing something for others 24-7.”

— Ipapo on Howie, the organizer of the event

Memorable youth performance:

The Union Symphony Youth Orchestra Ensemble with Austin Neese on violin and Menelic Cannady on piano.

Memorable quote:

“If you’re willing to pay to taste it, people will come in and buy your coffee.”

— Tony Belk of La Vida Mocha on how offering free coffee at Taste of Union will benefit his business.

A sample of tastes from the night:

• Vegetable lasagna from Mucci’s Bistro

• Cake from Le Chateau Sucre

• Peruvian rotisserie chicken from Genaro’s Rotisserie

• Grape and goat cheese bruschetta from Creative Food Concepts

Most buzzed about auction item:

Shoes signed by DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers

Highest valued auction item:

Enterprise 24 Hour Workout Center one-year membership, valued at $450

By the numbers:

Number of attendees: 389 (“It was way, way beyond what we expected. We were thrilled to death,” Ipapo said.)

Total proceeds: $14,563

Advance ticket sales: $6,590

At the door sales: $1,490