About TARBAS
THE ANCHORAGE ROBERT BURNS APPRECIATION SOCIETY
THE ANCHORAGE ROBERT BURNS
APPRECIATION SOCIETY
TARBAS brings people together to celebrate Robert Burns, Scottish culture, friendship, fellowship, and community. We’re a volunteer-led organization with a long-running tradition of bringing Anchorage together for an evening of food, music, poetry, ceremony, and good company. TARBAS is also a 501(c)(3) public charity, and our annual Burns Supper provides an opportunity to give back to the community we call home
A tradition of our own.
THE HAGGIS BASHER’S BALL
For more than two decades, TARBAS has brought Anchorage together around the table to celebrate Robert Burns. TARBAS was founded with a simple idea: bring people together around the life and work of Robert Burns—and create a little more friendship, fellowship, and community along the way.
What began as a gathering of people with an appreciation for Burns and Scottish tradition grew into an annual Anchorage tradition of its own.
Where it all began.
OUR STORY
This history is being gathered and documented by TARBAS.
Giving back.
A GOOD EVENING CAN DO SOME GOOD
A Burns Supper is meant to be shared — and for TARBAS, that spirit extends beyond the table. Since 2001, the Haggis Basher’s Ball & Burns Supper has raised more than $250,000 for charitable organizations throughout Alaska.
Over the years, TARBAS has supported organizations working across our community, from food banks and youth programs to health and human services, veterans’ organizations, education, and other causes that make Alaska a better place to live. It’s one of the traditions we’re proudest of: gathering together to celebrate Robert Burns while giving something back to the community we call home.
Good food. Good company. Good causes.
We think Burns would have approved.
Our mission.
FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY
At its heart, TARBAS exists to bring people together. We create opportunities for friendship, fellowship, cultural exchange, and community involvement– while celebrating the connection between Alaska and Scotland and the enduring words and spirit of Robert Burns.
We believe in good citizenship, service to others, open conversation, and the idea that a community is stronger when people take an active interest in one another.
And, naturally, we believe there should be a good dinner involved whenever possible.
The company we keep.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TARBAS is a volunteer-led organization made up of people who believe in good fellowship, community, and keeping a very good Scottish tradition alive in Alaska.
Our board helps guide the organization, support our charitable work, and bring the annual Haggis Basher’s Ball & Burns Supper to life.
President
Donald Allan
Vice President
Andy MacMillan
Secretary
Caren Maffucci
Treasurer
Alison Matthews
Director at Large
Beth Brandon-Smith
TARBAS is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
EIN 80-0011849