Can you believe it’s already August? I can hardly believe how quickly the summer is moving. While I’m ready for cooler nights and pumpkin season, it’s also surprising to see kids preparing to return to school — some as early as next week. August also means we’re only two months away from October, when our family will welcome Baby LaRue’s arrival. Time is flying.
This month also brings a special local event: Orlando Taste of the Nation. Forty-four of Orlando’s best chefs will serve signature small bites alongside fine wines, craft beer, specialty cocktails and an incredible dessert bar. It’s a festive evening out, but more importantly it’s a major fundraiser dedicated to ending childhood hunger through Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.
The truth is 16 million kids in America struggle with hunger, which means 1 in 5 children do not consistently get the food they need to grow and thrive.
Those numbers are sobering. As families shift into back-to-school routines, it’s natural to focus on packing lunches, planning quick weeknight meals, and juggling extracurriculars. For far too many children, though, the evenings are uncertain — instead of asking, “What’s for dinner?” they may be silently worrying, “Will there be dinner at all?” The No Kid Hungry campaign and its partners work to change that reality by raising funds, supporting community food programs, and expanding access to school meals.
I’m grateful to volunteer with Share Our Strength and to support the Taste of the Nation event in Orlando. It’s one of our favorite nights of the year — a chance to enjoy outstanding food and drink while contributing to something meaningful. The event brings together chefs, restaurants and local supporters to raise funds that directly help kids and families in our community.
If you’ve attended before, you know how special the evening is: approachable tasting portions from top chefs, a lively dessert bar that’s always a highlight, thoughtfully paired beverages, and the chance to meet the people and organizations working to address food insecurity locally. If you haven’t gone yet, consider joining this year to enjoy the food and support the cause.
When: Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 6:45–10:00 pm
Where: Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL
Tickets: VIP tickets are listed at $150. Purchasing tickets helps fund vital programs that get food to children and strengthen community resources.
Attire: Cocktail / Semi-Formal
Funds raised at Taste of the Nation benefit several local and regional partners that serve families in need, including the Coalition for the Homeless, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Florida Impact. These organizations provide food distribution, coordinated services, and advocacy to ensure children and parents have the resources they need.
I’m excited to share that partnering organizations have arranged a flash raffle giving away a pair of tickets for you and a guest to attend this year’s Taste of the Nation. This is a quick giveaway — enter today if you’d like to attend, and the winner will be notified by email tomorrow.
Attending Taste of the Nation is a great way to spend an evening: you can sample local culinary talents, enjoy the dessert bar and drinks, and connect with neighbors who are committed to solving childhood hunger. Whether you buy a ticket, donate, or enter the raffle, taking part helps make sure fewer children go to bed hungry.
If you’ve enjoyed previous events, take a moment to remember those favorite bites and conversations with chefs and friends. If this will be your first time, come ready to taste a wide variety of small plates, enjoy thoughtful beverage pairings, and support a cause that matters.
See you there — and thank you for supporting efforts to make sure no child in our community has to wonder where their next meal will come from.