Taste of the NFL Exceeds Goal for 2013

Taste of the NFL was a great success this year. Dallas Cowboy players showed their support in a fight to end child hunger by joining the party. Star players such as DeMarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher, and Jay Novecek mixed and mingled throughout the Glass Cactus located at the Gaylord Texan. This year’s goal was to raise $200,000 to help feed North Texas children in need. Attendees came through and raised a whopping $231,095 which was a 15% increase from last year. With the funds raised, the North Texas Food Bank will be able to provide 693,285 meals to hungry children in the area.

Money was raised through a silent auction and a live auction that took place through the night. Imagine bidding on a date with one of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Southwest round trip tickets or a football signed my Johnny Manziel. These were just a few of the items that were up for auction. Unfortunately, I was outbid on everything but I can’t be too mad because it’s all for a good cause. The more money that is bid, the better for the community.

A live auction was held by Jacob Walker who did a fabulous job raising a tremendous amount of money by auctioning off a trip to San Francisco and a private dinner for 10 cooked by Kent Rathbun himself. One of the most entertaining items to be auctioned was ‘Dallas’ sweetheart, Jesse Metcalfe. Women hoot and hollered as the bid was raised. The actual item that was being auctioned was lunch with Jesse Metcalfe but he also threw in a chance to be on set of Dallas with the crew. Emerald City Band keep the crowd alive playing songs that everyone could get up and dance to. They were great entertainment throughout the night.

Guests arrived hungry and ready to taste the amazing food prepared by top Dallas chefs. Over 15 restaurants and chefs donated their time (and delicious food) to the Taste of the NFL. Each chef brought dishes that had guests coming back for seconds and even thirds. Chefs and restaurants in attendance included Kent Rathbun (Kent Rathbun Concepts),  David Holben (Del Frisco’s), Aaron Henschen (Del Frisco’s Grille), Bronwen Weber (Frosted Art Bakery), Orazio LaManna (Legends Hospitality), Taylor Kearney (Nick & Sam’s), Beverly Eskridge (NTFB Community Kitchen), Vincent Ginatta (Paciugo), James Johnson (Pappas Bros.), TJ Legnick (Shinsei), Ernie Mendoza (Suze); Patrick Smith (Tejano Brothers), Scott Gottlich (The Second Floor), and Sascia Marchesi (Zeppole).

Although Taste of the NFL exceeded their goal, this does not mean that hunger in the DFW area will be taken care of. This is just a small step to ending hunger. I encourage everyone to get involved with the community and donate their time and spare money to help those in need. The North Texas Food Bank is an amazing organization that helps many, many people throughout North Texas. You can donate as much or as little money as you can. $1 provides 3 meals, which proves ANY amount can help.  Volunteer your time.  Grab your friends and head to the North Texas Food Bank, they are in need of volunteers during the weekday. Become an advocate against hunger and contact your U.S. representative. No matter what you are able to do, every little bit helps.

Let’s end hunger North Texas together! 

Find more photos from the Taste of the NFL on our Facebook Page.