‘Taste’ event not only fun, but helpful as well

To the Editor:
We at Harry Chapin Food Bank are looking forward to the 18th annual “Taste of Boca Grande” on Feb. 3, a highlight of the season and a testament to the caring and generosity of those who sponsor the event and those who attend it.
What could be more wonderful than a night under the stars on Feb. 3 at the iconic Boca Bay Pass Club, enjoying unique and elegant cuisine created by top chefs from 18 participating restaurants? Maybe the fact that this wonderful night will result in food for those who may not know where their next meal is coming from.
The “Taste of Boca Grande” benefits Harry Chapin Food Bank. We are the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida, serving five counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee. There are 151,610 people who struggle with hunger in this region, including 46,470 children. Your participation in this signature event can make a huge difference in their lives.
The 17th “Taste of Boca Grande” raised $62,750. Since the food bank can turn every dollar donated into $8 worth of food, that sum provided $502,000 worth of food to families in need in our communities! We hope to surpass that amount this year. With your help, we can do it.
Our model is based on rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing it through our programs. These include the Care and Share: Senior Feeding Program, Harry’s Helpings, Fulfill Mobile Pantries, In-School Pantries and our Partner Agency Program, which is a network of more than 150 partner agencies to feed people in need. Though these programs we feed roughly 28,000 people each week.
Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed $42.8 million worth of food in fiscal year 2019. We distributed nearly 26.7 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 6.4 million pounds of fresh produce.
You can be part of the solution to hunger in Southwest Florida. All you need to do is choose to dine on food and drink and dance the night away at a venue overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are $125. We will be there on Feb. 3. We hope you will, too.
We thank you for your support.
Richard LeBer
President and CEO
Harry Chapin Food Bank