LIBERTY — The inaugural Taste of Liberty event gave participants the opportunity to enjoy some of the best food in the township while raising money for the school district.

Overall, 14 eateries in Liberty provided food for Saturday’s event at the high school.

The Liberty Alumni Association and the Liberty Sports Hall of Fame Committee sponsored the event.

“We were looking for something that was not only a fundraiser to give back to the school, but also a community event,” said Elaine Jacobs, an alumni association trustee who helped organize Taste of Liberty. “We want to promote the community and the wonderful restaurants we have. We thought this was a good fit.”

Among the participating restaurants were Bull & Bear Neighborhood Grille and Tavern, Jimmy’s Italian Eatery, Station Square Ristorante, Kravitz Delicatessen and Pizza Joe’s.

“It’s a very nice event, nice turnout,” Gene Longo, owner of Pizza Joe’s in Liberty, said. “Liberty pulls together. It’s great to give back.”

The eateries offered food, including wings, pizza, corned beef sandwiches, ribs, pastries and ice cream.

“The owners put so much thought into their crafts and we think their delicacies and the variety of food we have in Liberty is something you can’t find anywhere else,” Jacobs said.

More than 100 people purchased tickets, costing $25 each, for the Taste of Liberty event.

Albert Pugh III of Liberty, a 2003 Liberty High School graduate, filled up his tray.

“It’s a great event,” he said. “I hope it’s a success and it will expand into a larger event.”

Joe and Vicki Antenucci of Austintown enjoyed themselves.

“The food is delicious,” Vicki, a member of the alumni association, said. “There’s quite the variety.”

Joe added: “It’s excellent. I don’t know if I’ll be able to eat again after today.”

The alumni association raises money for the school district.

Last year, it raised about $2,000 for caps and gowns for the graduation ceremony for kindergarten students and about $750 for a new camera for the journalism program, Jacobs said.

“We try to use the money for things that can be used multiple times by multiple students,” she said. “We reach out to the teachers to determine the best use for the money.”

The association has about 75 members, Jacobs said.

Event participants

The eateries that participated in Saturday’s Taste of Liberty

Bull & Bear Neighborhood Grille and Tavern

Jimmy’s Italian Eatery

Station Square Ristorante

Kravitz Delicatessen

Katie’s Korner Homemade Ice Cream

Pizza Joe’s

The Landmark Restaurant

Giant Eagle catering

K’nafa Restaurant

Shaker’s Bar & Grill

Fortune Garden

St. Mark Kohut Catering

Cocca’s Pizza

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream