Good causes and good food are delicious mix

The signs of spring mean that it's time for a few of the community's long-standing dining events.

They represent a chance to expand your taste buds while raising funds for good causes.

The 17th Annual Art & Soup fund-raiser takes place March 30 and 31 at the Salt Lake Sheraton, 150 W. 500 South. This fund-raiser is sponsored by Community Nursing Services, with chefs serving their signature soups.

The public can view artwork from more than 40 Utah artisans while sampling soups from more than 20 restaurants and food purveyors.

Participants include Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, Big City Soup, Blue Boar Inn, Boswell's on 3rd Catering and Cafe, Boulevard, Cookietree Bakeries, Cowboy Grub, High Rock Steakhouse, Inn on the Creek, Juhl Haus Cafe & Market, Lugano and Millcreek by Encore Senior Living.

In addition, soup will be served by Olio Ristorante, Orchard Cove, Panini's, Parklane Stylish Senior Apartments, Atria Senior Living Group, Pierre Country Bakery, Porcupine Pub & Grille, Rico Mexican Market and Catering, Silver Fork Lodge, Singing Cricket Cafe, Starbucks, The Bagelry, The Dodo Restaurant, Third & Main and Utah Food Services.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for lunch and $10 for dinner and are available at the door. To buy them in advance, call 233-6100 or visit www.cnsvna.org.

The 15th annual "The Chef and the Child" dinner and auction is April 2 at the South Towne Expo Center, 9675 S. State. This fund-raiser, cooked up by the Beehive State Chefs Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, benefits Guadalupe School students.

The night begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction followed by an international-themed buffet. After dinner, chef services — like a dinner party cooked in your home or a night on the town — will be auctioned, with Tony Caputo of Caputo's Market and Deli as master of ceremonies.

Chefs on board so far include Shervin Abizadeh of the Alta Club, Zane Holmquist of Stein Eriksen Lodge, Jeff DeJong of The Yarrow and Robert Sullivan of Utah Food Services.

Over the past 14 years, the chefs and other sponsors have raised more than $500,000 for Guadalupe Schools and other local children's programs.

Before the event, several chefs do cooking demonstrations at the school to teach children about nutrition and safe food preparation.