The annual Bite of Orcas fundraiser on Saturday, May 24 helps take a bite out of the Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center budget. “’The Bite’ is our only major fundraising event on Orcas Island,” says Julie Knight, executive director of the Wolf Hollow Board. “Not only do we raise money, but we get the message out about protecting habitat and native species on Orcas Island.”

Thirteen restaurants and caterers will take part in the eating extravaganza on the Village Green in Eastsound from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Samples of the Island’s finest food will be available,” said Orcas vounteer, Elyse Van den Bosch. “It’s a great way to get acquainted with vendors that you’ve never tried or to patronize old favorites for a great cause.”

Bilbo’s Festivo is back will be serving chicken, beef and salmon tacos.

Chimayo’s will have ceviche (citrus-marinated seafood salad) and queso fresco taquitas.

erb’s Vegetarian Restaurant is new to The Bite with something for everyone. Their large spread of menu items includes a breakfast sandwich, a breakfast wrap and faux-chicken Caesar salad. Sweet treats include wheat-free, gluten-free Heavenly cupcakes, chocolate-raspberry thumbprint cookies, vegan Bliss Balls and Snow Balls, Vitality Bars and Double-chocolate toasted coconut almond brownies. “It’s a great way to introduce ourselves to the community and support a worthwhile cause,” said owners Cara and Phil Cohen.

The Doe Bay Cafe is serving their home-grown salad greens with their signature peppered-plum vinaigrette dressing and choice of Jones Family smoked salmon or a disk of herbed goat cheese.

The New Leaf Café will serve corn and crab chowder, mini crab cakes and miniature goat cheese cheesecakes.

Lulu’s Pasta Rustica returns with meatball sub sandwiches and Italian sodas. Owners Dave and Jessica Nesse say, “It’s a great cause, we like the idea of contributing and helping out, and you get to meet a lot of really neat people.”

William Patterson Catering will be serving his own handmade Italian-style sausages hot off the grill. Patterson’s sausages are a favorite at the Eastsound Farmers Market.

The Thai Sisters, Nayika and Nuna, join the tasting extravaganza for the first time after opening the new restaurant in January. They will serve cucumber salad and fresh spring rolls.

Roses Bakery is bringing a selection of assorted sandwiches and cakes.

The Sunflower Café will offer a wide selection of bagels, hummus and gourmet cream cheese spreads.

The Orcas Village Store will again prepare their famous mini-steak burgers made from fresh ground steak, garlic and butter, smoked pork ribs, spicy grilled prawns, potato salad, coleslaw and fresh-squeezed lemonade. “We love taking part in the event,” said owner Mary Russell. “It’s great advertising and a wonderful cause.”

Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will sell beer and wine by the glass as well as have an education booth to provide information about their mission to care for wildlife that become injured or ill, most often due to accidental human intervention.

The Inn at Ship Bay will serve lamb sandwiches.

Rosario Resort has not formalized their menu for the event.

Rain or shine, the event will occur under the big top on the Village Green from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Admission is free but nominal fees are charged for food samples from the vendors. A portion of the proceeds from the Bite goes to Wolf Hollow.