On Friday, August 18, over 1,700 people came together at the Orlando World Center Marriott for an evening of great food, delicious libations, and more, all to raise money to fight childhood hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Taste! Central Florida took a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its first year back, supporters stepped up to help provide over 1.1 million meals for kids in our community. Events like Taste! help individuals like Landy and his daughter, Nevaeh.
Just a year ago, Landy and his girlfriend were first-time parents living in their 2-bedroom apartment in Kissimmee, Florida. They eventually decided to separate, and both began to experience homelessness. Landy sought shelter with family until that was no longer an option.
I’ve always worked during this, but they started cutting my hours. Then I got into a car accident. I lost the only transportation I had to make extra money and keep me afloat.”
– Landy
He eventually discovered the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, where he found stable housing for himself and his daughter. At the Coalition, they receive nutritious meals made from ingredients distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Landy has since secured a second job and is well on his way towards long-term stable housing.
“I’ve never had a father figure,” Landy explains. “That’s why I work to improve. It’s a wonderful feeling being a father. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. My daughter keeps me going. I don’t know where I would be if my daughter was not in my life.”
Landy’s story is just one of many made possible through the funds raised at Taste! Central Florida. Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of so many sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, AmeriFactors. A big shoutout to all the media partners who helped spread the word and fill the room for Taste!
During the event, guests could partake in food from over 40 of the area’s most distinguished chefs, along with more than 20 premier brewers, distilleries, wine purveyors, and specialty beverage vendors, all of whom donated their time, products, and resources for the event.
Beyond the culinary and beverage offerings, guests enjoyed live music provided by Hawkmoon and Paradigm Party Band and participated in activities such as the silent auction, giving tree, liquor locker, wine door, wine ring toss and more.
Taste! Central Florida would not be possible without the dedication of the incredible all-volunteer-led planning committee, including co-chairs Bill Sullivan, Haley Hitzing, Michele Byington and Nicole Spooner.
Thank you for all you do to support kids and families facing hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. See you at Taste! in 2024.
