A photo of Leanne and Derek Lavender after the accident from their blog, The Lavender’s Longshot.

WINONA LAKE — A couple with connections to Winona Lake are getting some much needed help from a unique culinary event happening this week.

Derek, son of Joy and Jay Lavender, and Leanne Lavender’s, a graduate of Grace College, lives were interrupted when Derek was involved in a motorcycle accident on June 15. Derek suffered serious injuries and spent 113 days in a Chicago hospital.

Students of Grace College’s GOAL (Grace Opportunities for Adult Learners) program are hosting Tapas for Lavenders to benefit the couple. The event will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. ,3 at Grace College’s Gordon Recreation Center, 100 Publishers Drive, Winona Lake.

This event will include tasting specialty pour-over coffee, and tapas (small appetizers and desserts) from Cerulean, Maple Leaf Farms, La Consentida and other local restaurants. The minimum donation to purchase a ticket is $5.

Guests who purchase tickets ahead of time will be given priority entrance to the event. Please be there on time, as food may go quickly.

All money raised benefits Derek & Leanne Lavender. Read more about their story here.