Hundreds of West Seattle families face financial crises every day - from losing jobs and the ongoing challenge of single parenting to medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.

So, how can you keep your day job, have fun, and lend these families a helping hand at the same time?

Tuesday, help fill The Hall at Fauntleroy for the Taste of West Seattle - a chance to celebrate a night out with your neighbors, dine on great local fare and sip fine wine all while supporting a noble cause same time: the West Seattle Helpline.

Since 1989, the West Seattle Helpline has inspired neighbors to help neighbors who face financial crises with donations from community members, local businesses and churches for life's basic needs such as rent, utilities, medical prescriptions, clothing and school supplies.

"Our goal is to help West Seattle families find their way toward self-sufficiency while keeping kids in their own homes and schools," says executive director June Gabriel. "Perhaps a family has two parents working full time and a medical situation arises where they need assistance just to cover this month's rent - 80 percent of our calls are from hard-working folks who just need a little help."

Gabriel and her dedicated team of volunteers provide financial aid and referral advice over the phone and at their walk-in office for residents of the following Zip codes - 98106, 98116, 98126, 98136, 98146 north of Roxbury - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday each week. And now you can help too by enjoying a fun night out with the whole family! The Taste of West Seattle is an annual fund-raiser several years in the making that provides a major source of funding for the Helpline.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the 2007 Taste of West Seattle, for just $35 (in advance) or $40 (at the door) you can feast on food and sip wine to your heart's content (responsibly, of course) from 18 generous local restaurants and caterers who are all donating their fabulous food and staff so 100 percent of proceeds go directly to West Seattle families through the Helpline.

"It's a great way to check out new area restaurants and popular dishes from chefs all around the neighborhood," smiles Gabriel. "It's a lively, casual atmosphere that has already become a tradition for many."

In years past, hungry event goers have gobbled up heaps of West 5's famous baked mac and cheese, huge vats of Duke's clam chowder, pans upon pans of authentic Italian lasagna from La Rustica, tons of sweet treats from Cupcake Royale, and gallons of beer floats a la Elliott Bay Brewery along with Husky Deli. Creative caterers also go all-out to showcase their culinary talents.

This year you can expect more of the same plus some additional surprises. The 2007 lineup includes newcomers such as the yummy French artisan Bakery Nouveau and the new Italian bistro Beato as well as other local favorites including Alki Bakery, Circa, Endolyne Joe's, Herban Feast, Lee's Asian, Ovio Bistro, Salty's on Alki, Starbucks, Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes and West Seattle Cellars. The presenting sponsor is Point B Solutions Group, and business sponsors are Peter H. Yi D.D.S., P.S. and West Seattle Cellars.

Your entry fee includes all the food you can eat (while it lasts), plenty of wine, and a chance to win a local food-themed door prize, not to mention the joy you'll help spread to West Seattle families in need while enjoying a huge spread of fantastic local food!

(Information Box)

What:

The Taste of West Seattle

Where:

The Hall at Fauntleroy

9131 California Ave. S.W.

Seattle, WA 98136

www.westseattlehelpline.org

206.932.2746

When:

Tues, May 15th from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Price:

Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door (Visa & MC are accepted)

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