More than 200 people got to enjoy a sampling of the tastes of Dawson ... and help a worthy cause in the process.

The fourth annual Taste of Dawson High took place Saturday, Dec. 1, at Dawson County High School, and broke records. The total from Saturday was $3,222, said PTSO President Karen Armstrong. Thats the best ever, beating last year by about $1,000.

The money raised goes directly to scholarships and students in need at the high school. It helps students who cant buy caps and gowns, or need help paying for the SAT or ACT, Armstrong said. Every dime goes back to the students.

Various high school clubs, including the Key Club and the National Honors Society, also volunteered at the event, with some of the portions being donated back to them.

Ten restaurants were represented at the event offering samplings from their menus. We want people to know were here and how great our food is, said Nick Cain of Friends Sports Grill, which participated. Cain first worked at the Friends location in Dacula, then was offered a spot at the new restaurant in Dawsonville, one that opened this past summer on Hwy. 400, across from the Premium Outlet Mall. He was assisted at his table on Saturday by Taylor Renz.

Local vendors set up booths for guests to do a little shopping while eating. We donated an item for the auction, said Anita Topper, who ran the Crafty Granny table at the show. We know the proceeds go to support the high school, so thats why were here.

Armstrong called the event a one-stop shop for families looking for a bite to eat and to get some Christmas shopping out of the way.

Its a great way to fellowship, and its a very inexpensive place to eat, she said with a laugh, noting the $5 entry fee. It was $5, and you got to sample 10 different restaurants. You could also do Christmas shopping and help out our local vendors.

There was also a raffle for a variety of gift baskets.

Participating restaurants included Bojangles, Chick-fil-A, Dominos, Friends Sports Grill, Kani House, Krystal, LongHorn Steakhouse, Moes, On the Level and Old Towne Pizza.

Vendors included Bling & Things, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Mason Dixon, Premier Jewelry, Infinite Possibility for You, Beth Allen, Crafty Granny and Little Shepherd Design.

News & Advertiser Publisher/Editor Kimberly Boim contributed to this story.