Toronto Taste 2015 – Most Successful in 25 Years!
Uniting the city’s top chefs and beverage purveyors for a spectacular evening of delicious fare and refreshing drinks in support of Second Harvest’s food rescue program, the 25th anniversary of legendary culinary event, Toronto Taste 2015, presented by The Daniels Corporation, raised an incredible $850,000 for Second Harvest on Sunday June 7th, 2015. $850,000 is a record setting number for Toronto Taste, but what is truly impressive and inspiring is the 1,700,000 meals Second Harvest will be able to rescue and deliver for people experiencing hunger in Toronto.
Each ticket purchased contributed to Second Harvest’s food rescue program, and enabled us to rescue and deliver food for 500 meals. In addition, each $1 raised through raffle tickets and the onsite Fine Wine Auction, Live and Silent Auctions gives Second Harvest the funds to provide 2 meals through 200+ agencies across Toronto.
Guests enjoyed mouth-watering dishes prepared by over 50 participating chefs including Mark McEwan, Michael Smith, Rob Gentile, Carl Heinrich, Marc Thuet, Dufflet Rosenberg, and many more, along with an refreshing array of beverages from over 20 beverage purveyors. And of course the breathtaking lakeside views from Corus Quay.
The Live Auction, co-hosted by the Food Network’s John Catucci and Bob Blumer and supported by auctioneer Allen Fleishman ,was the most successful ever!
Guest also got to experience the excitement of the live Toronto Taste Chef Challenge, which was won by Chef Adam Oliveira of The Spoke Club and a Canadian finalist in the S. Pellegrino Young Chef Competition.
“Our annual fundraiser for Second Harvest is such a great event, and a true collaboration of what happens when all of our partners join us and work towards such an important cause. To raise $850,000, which is more than $100,000 over our goal, in one evening is not just unbelievable; it’s critical in helping us do what we do every day, which is provide good, nutrient-dense food to people experiencing hunger,” says Debra Lawson, Executive Director of Second Harvest. “None of this would be possible without our sponsors, our donors, our chefs and vintners, an incredibly dedicated staff and the best volunteers in the world.”
The Daniels Corporation has been supporting Second Harvest as Presenting Sponsor of Toronto Taste for an impressive 20 years. “Over the past 20 years, we have developed a strong partnership with Second Harvest, which rescues food for distribution by community agencies,” said Daniels Vice President Don Pugh. “Their efforts to ensure that as many people as possible in our city don’t go hungry is awe-inspiring. We are pleased to once again support Second Harvest by being Presenting Sponsor of Toronto Taste. Thank you, Second Harvest, for your admirable work.”
To encourage donations and increase fundraising support, Assante Wealth Management matched, dollar for dollar, all personal donations up to $25,000, made on-site at Toronto Taste 2015. This matching goal was achieved raising $50,000 for Second Harvest!
At the end of the evening Wade & Company made a very generous, surprise gift of $25,000 to Second Harvest! Capping off a wonderful evening.
As guests, chefs, sponsors and volunteers left the event, the CN Tower was illuminated Second Harvest green in honour of Second Harvest’s 30 years of service and Toronto Taste’s 25th anniversary.
Thank you to everyone who supported Toronto Taste, and helped make it our most successful fundraising event in Second Harvest’s history.
Toronto Taste 2015 – Slideshow
While my role didn’t really let me take photos during Toronto Taste 2015, my wrangler/assistant for the evening Chet was kind enough to take photos during setup and while the doors were opening. Here is a quick slideshow of Toronto Taste 2015
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alexaclark should we attend next year?