On September 19th, 2014, Monarch DECA held its third annual Taste Of Monarch. The Taste of Monarch hosted a variety of local restaurants and businesses as well as Monarch clubs and organizations. The whole event was organized and run by Monarch’s DECA chapter and headed by Noah Leuthauser, Tyler Godman, and Kyle Scholtz. With thirteen vendors, music, and a silent auction, Taste Of Monarch held something for everyone in attendance.

The Taste of Monarch is always one of Monarch DECA’s biggest and most profitable events. In 2013, the profits of the Taste of Monarch went to help benefit Colorado Flood Relief. This year, the chapter’s officer team, wanted to make sure to give back to the community as well as the chapter with the money raised. “All the profits of the event go towards the program and help make trips like Beaver Creek and State Conference less expensive for members,” said Kyle Scholtz, the chapter’s public relations officer. “We liked the fact that we could help people through our event. This year we’d like to donate money to charity again. We are deciding between a charity in Boulder that supports mental disease, or a school in Africa, where we’d help pay for a girl’s education. That’s something we have to vote on at the officers meeting.”

The Taste of Monarch welcomed local businesses such as Qudoba, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Marcos Pizza. Other businesses such as Tudor Doctor, Aspire Energy Drinks, and CU Credit union also set up booths and handed out samples. “Its a great promotional thing for local businesses. It gets the word out to the community about these restaurants and brands,” said senior Jason Jacobs.

Planning for The Taste began in March and was carried out through the summer by the dedicated officer team. “We’ve been working on pulling this together since last spring, calling vendors and getting volunteers. Its a lot of hours and planning but its worth it,” said senior Tyler Godman, the chapter’s student store manager.

Every year, Taste Of Monarch is executed with a new twist. This year, though there were fewer vendors, there was more opportunity for monarch clubs such as FBLA, Choir, and Junior Senate to promote themselves. Also new to the event this year was the silent auction and photo booth. “Every year we do it, we do it big,” said concessions manager Alex Whol.