On June 2, the 20th annual Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation” Fort Lauderdale brought together the area’s hottest chefs and mixologists in a culinary effort to end childhood hunger nationwide. The SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center was the center of it all, welcoming 1,000 guests, more than 40 participating restaurants, and 14 wine, spirit and beverage providers.
With the NBA playoffs in full swing, guests were able to watch a live televised broadcast of that night’s game, sample a variety of gourmet creations and meet local chefs, all while raising much-needed funds for an extremely worthy cause.
For the event’s 20th anniversary, “Platinum Chefs” were recognized for their leadership in the community, donation of time and talent and commitment to Share Our Strength’s “Taste the Nation” program.
Celebrity guests included "Hell's Kitchen" star and "Taste of the Nation" Platinum Chef Ralph Pagano, who served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer, along with local radio personalities Paul Castranovo and Ron Brewer from the Paul & Young Ron Morning Show on BIG 105.9, who helped chair this special event. Live and silent auctions included a selection of luxurious wines, dinners and vacations.
This year’s event raised $65,000 with 100 percent of ticket sales supporting Share Our Strength’s mission to help assure that no child grows up hungry. Local beneficiaries include Feeding South Florida, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc. and the South Florida Hunger Coalition.
National corporate sponsors of “Taste the Nation” are American Express, Sysco, Food Network and Brown-Forman. Local corporate sponsors include Whole Foods, Lincoln, Budweiser and Nespresso.
The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is proud to welcome the array of culinary superstars and guests to this outstanding annual event in support of a very worthy cause.
Sincerely,
The Convention Center Team
This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.
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