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TASTE TOASTS THE NUMBER 100
100% trash free, 100% of proceeds fight hunger, and a record-breaking $100K raised
PORTSMOUTH, NH, June 18, 2008 — 800 guests under billowing white tents at Strawbery Banke Museum broke a fund-raising record for Share Our Strength Seacoast, while sampling delicious food and drink tonight. The 14th annual Taste of the Nation Portsmouth gala featured dishes from 80 top area restaurants and beer and wine purveyors, raised $100,000 and was 100 percent trash free.
“100 is our theme tonight,” said Share Our Strength’s co-chairperson Jay McSharry, owner of Jumpin’ Jays. “Everything we used tonight is recyclable or compostable, and we raised more money than we have in any of the 13 years we’ve hosted this event.”
In keeping with that theme, 100 percent of Taste proceeds go to the fight against hunger and poverty. Tonight’s tally means the local all-volunteer group has now raised more than $700,000 since its inception in 1994. The gala also included a silent auction and live music from Boston’s Soul City, a 10-piece R & B dance band. The event sells out consistently.
“Our general admission tickets were sold out by the end of May,” McSharry said.
This year, sustainability was at the forefront and guests were encouraged to bike, walk and carpool. Those who did so were eligible to win a new bike from Bicycle Bob’s in Portsmouth. In addition, biodegradable utensils and recyclable plates were used and arrangements were made to ensure all compostable trash would go to local farms and gardens.
McSharry said the group is able to give 100 percent of its proceeds directly to anti-hunger organizations and advocacy groups, thanks to national sponsorship from American Express and Sysco, and local sponsorship from Marshall Tent and Event Rental, Liberty Mutual, Auger Building Company, Peter Paul Wines, Yoga East, Bikram Yoga, Pax World Funds, Top Notch Pilates, WOKQ, The Provident Bank, Hammer Construction, ADM, Optima Bank and Trust, Bottomline Technologies, Smuttynose Brewing Company, RAM Printing, Strawbery Banke Museum, Idea Outfitters, Seacoast Media Group and Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.
Share Our Strength Seacoast co-chair Megan Shapiro-Ross said there is more to this event than an “eat, drink and be merry” mantra. “Taste brings together people from all parts of the community to put on an event that doesn’t just celebrate the culinary talent here — it celebrates the community’s spirit. We are working together toward one goal— to end childhood hunger in America.”
The local and state hunger relief agencies receiving this year’s proceeds are Footprints Food Pantry, Seacoast Family Food Pantry, Rockingham Community Action’s WIC program, Strafford County Community Action’s Meals on Wheels program, The N.H. Center for a Food Secure Future, The Children’s Alliance of N.H., and Nesenkeag Cooperative Farm.
“Hungry children are both physically and emotionally needy,” added Shapiro-Ross, a former teacher. “Together, advocating and providing for those needs by supporting these agencies, we are helping one person, one child, one family at a time.”
The local Taste is the culinary industry’s largest benefit. It is part of a national effort every spring, when thousands of the best chefs and restaurants throughout the United States and Canada donate their time, talent and cuisine to create memorable epicurean events to fight hunger in their communities and beyond.
Since 1987, Taste of the Nation events have raised more than $70 million nationwide.
For a full list of this year’s beneficiaries, sponsors and food and drink vendors, and to learn more about Share Our Strength, please click on the links in the left sidebar of this web page.
