Press Releases

EVENT RAISES OVER $140,000 TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER

ORLANDO, Fla. — (September 14, 2009)—Share our Strength's Taste of the Nation Orlando 20th Anniversary event took place on Saturday, August 29, 2009 in the Orange County Convention Center's Valencia Ballroom, netting over $140,000 to fight childhood hunger. Local beneficiaries are Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Statewide beneficiaries include Florida Impact and the North Florida Educational Development Corporation.

Nearly 1,800 people enjoyed the delicious food prepared by over 30 of Central Florida's leading restaurants and live music by local band, Crash Reality. A silent auction of unique items, a raffle for great prizes, the opportunity to "star" on a magazine cover, and the chance to make one's own music video added to this fun evening with the very serious purpose of feeding hungry children.

Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation® is the nation's premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. Each spring, the country's hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at more than 45 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger.

Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman Corporation, Stella Artois, and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Major local sponsors include Darden Restaurants, Neiman Marcus and AirTran.

###