Toronto Taste 2017 raises $925,000 for Second Harvest
Toronto's top chefs, beverage purveyors and food lovers attended the city's culinary event of the year to help Second Harvest provide meals to those in need
TORONTO, June 8, 2017 /CNW/ - On Sunday, June 4, 2017, Toronto's legendary culinary fundraiser, Toronto Taste, took place lakeside at Corus Quay. The 27th edition of Toronto Taste, presented by The Daniels Corporation, raised $925,000 for Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue charity. Funds raised will provide 1.8 million meals to people facing hunger across Toronto.
"Toronto Taste is a monumental event that helps Second Harvest continue to provide fresh, healthy food to Torontonians experiencing hunger. Its legacy is a testament to the ongoing generosity of our sponsors, donors, chefs and our incredible staff and volunteers, who are critical to the event's success," said Debra Lawson, Executive Director, Second Harvest. "The funds we raise account for 20% of Second Harvest's annual revenue and help provide millions of meals to those in need."
Guests sampled spectacular dishes and drinks from over 90 of the most sought-after restaurants and beverage purveyors, including Baro, Lavelle, Kanpai Snack Bar, Bar Reyna and Ufficio, all new this year. Top chefs Guy Rawlings (Montgomery's), Anne Sorrenti (The Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink and Chopped Canada winner) and Eric Chong (R&D and MasterChef Canada winner) entertained guests in the Chef Challenge. After a close competition, Guy Rawlings was crowned the winner.
At the live auction, attendees could bid on chef dinner packages, such as dinner at Bob Blumer's LA home or the opportunity to join Chef Roger Mooking for an action-packed food tour of New Orleans. The exclusive live auction chef packages from Michael Smith, Michael Hunter, Roger Mooking and Bob Blumer raised a total of $46,000.
Notably, Bob Blumer, Second Harvest Ambassador and long-time supporter, reached his goal of personally raising $165,000 towards the purchase of a truck for Second Harvest when an anonymous donor came forward to top up his fundraising.
With a long history of supporting Second Harvest, Purolator Inc. stepped forward to donate an additional truck, a valuable asset as Second Harvest transports food to hundreds of social service agencies across the GTA daily. The donations from Bob Blumer, Purolator and all Toronto Taste supporters will help make it possible for Second Harvest to provide more than 1.8 million meals for children, adults and seniors experiencing hunger in the city.
This year's presenting sponsor, The Daniels Corporation, has been a part of Toronto Taste for 22 years. "Each year, Daniels is proud to support an event that brings people together in the name of helping others," said Don Pugh, Vice President, The Daniels Corporation. "We are thrilled to support Second Harvest in their mission to provide food to those experiencing hunger in the city."
About Second Harvest
Established in 1985, Second Harvest is the largest food rescue charity in Canada. Second Harvest rescues surplus, fresh food that would otherwise go to waste, and delivers that food to more than 225 social service agencies in Toronto, feeding people experiencing hunger. Since 1985 Second Harvest has rescued and delivered over 116 million pounds of good food, thus preventing 50 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. Second Harvest's vision: No Waste. No Hunger.
SOURCE Second Harvest
For photos from the event and more information, please contact: Amber Ciolfe, Zenergy Communications, 416-591-5461, [email protected]
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