Press Releases

TASTE OF THE NATION RAISES $156K TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER

ORLANDO, Fla. — (June 10, 2010)—Share our Strength's 21st Annual Taste of the Nation Orlando on Saturday, June 5, 2010 was a huge success, raising $156,000 to fight childhood hunger. Almost 2,000 people enjoyed the specialties of 34 chefs, great beverages, music by the band 3 Bucksworth, a silent auction, human statues and trees, and much more. This year's event was hosted by the Marriott World Center.

Darden Restaurants was the presenting sponsor for this fabulous "foodie" evening. In addition to Darden, major local sponsors included AirTran Airways, Walt Disney World Resort, Hilton Grand Vacations, Jeanie C. Linders Fund, Randy E. Schmmelpfennig, and Regions Bank, as well as a number of other community partners such as Neiman Marcus. Media sponsors were WKMG Local 6, MIX 105.1 and Sunny 1059.

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are the grateful local beneficiaries of the monies raised. The statewide beneficiary is Florida Impact, dedicated to reducing hunger and poverty in Florida. Linda Chapin, a past Coalition Board member and champion of the cause, served as Honorary Chair. The fundraiser was organized by a 33-person volunteer steering committee representing a variety of local businesses and organizations. Committee co-chairs were Michele Byington of Regions Bank and Bill Sullivan of I. Wanna Distributors, Inc. All the food, drink, silent auction items, entertainment, etc., and the beautiful venue were generously donated; and Progressive Communications donated all printing services. This ensured that 100% of ticket sales would go towards ending childhood hunger.

Taste of the Nation Orlando

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Their Taste of the Nation® is the nation's premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry; and there are 45 such events across the country. Taste of the Nation® is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman Corporation, S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, and Stella Artois.

The people who call the Coalition "home" represent the reality behind the message of this successful evening, that of fighting hunger and homelessness. Last year, Coalition for the Homeless provided nearly 300,000 meals to homeless individuals and families, including almost 200 children each night. Their average age was six. Second Harvest Food Bank saw a 152% increase since 2006 in the number of people needing food assistance in Central Florida. This yearly event truly helps provide those neighbors in need a hand-up to a better life.

Visit the following websites for more information:

www.strength.org
www.foodbankcentralflorida.org
www.flimpact.org

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