Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Taste of the Nation.


Once again this year I'm involved with Share our Strength's (SOS) Taste of the Nation event (thanks, Annie!). SOS's goal is to END childhood hunger in America. There are more than 17 million kids in this country who don't have adequate or reliable sources of food. The Taste of the Nation is the nation's premiere culinary benefit dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Bringing together famous chefs like Tyler Florence, Emeril Lagasse and hundreds of others, the event raises money for community food banks, healthy school lunches and educational programs that teach children and parents about healthy eating and cooking on a budget.


At last night's meeting, the director of the San Francisco event pulled me aside and said "I have a huge favor to ask you." Hmm...okay, I'll bite. Jodi explained that she needed someone to direct and manage the hundreds of volunteers that will participate in this year's event on April 29th. With over 1000 attendees anticipated, the volunteers needed to staff the event will number in the hundreds. Would I, she asked, be willing to take this on? It only took me about 10 seconds to say yes. It didn't hurt that she was simultaneously offering me a slice of gourmet veggie pizza as she asked this. Very smart Jodi, very smart indeed. So that's my new challenge.


So in the coming weeks and months those of you in the Bay area can expect a call or email from me first inviting, and later likely begging...pleeeeading you to volunteer at this fantastic event in April. It's a worthy cause, an organization with integrity, and a REALLY fun (and delicious) event. Consider yourself warned.... :)


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