Toronto Taste 2016 raises $850,000 for Second Harvest at Toronto's Culinary Event of the Year

Toronto's top chefs, beverage purveyors and food lovers enjoyed an evening of food that will help Second Harvest's food rescue program provide food for 1.7 million meals to those in need

TORONTO, June 14, 2016 /CNW/ - On Sunday, June 12, 2016, Toronto's legendary culinary fundraiser, Toronto Taste, took place lakeside at Corus Quay. The 26^th anniversary of Toronto Taste, presented by The Daniels Corporation, raised $850,000 for Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue charity, enough to provide food for 1.7 million meals to people facing hunger across Toronto.

The event featured the season's best flavours from over 90 of Toronto's top restaurants and beverage purveyors including The McEwan Group, Victoria Gin, Carbon Bar, Patois and many more, plus creative cocktails and drinks from over 30 beverage purveyors. One of the highlights of the evening was the live auction, specifically Second Harvest Ambassador and long-time supporter, Bob Blumer's 'A Surreal Experience'. The prize included a trip to Los Angeles along with a dinner prepared by Bob in his home including wines from his private cellar. Originally intended as one prize, its popularity encouraged Bob to generously donate an additional three packages, raising an impressive $49,000!  Guests were also able to join in some of the excitement as three of Toronto's best chefs, Kaya Ogruce (Death in Venice Gelato Co.), Darby Piquette (One) and Ivana Raca (Raca Café) competed in the Chef Challenge. After a close challenge, Ivana Raca was crowned the winner.

"Toronto Taste is such an incredible event that we at Second Harvest rely on to ensure we can continue providing fresh, healthy food to Torontonians experiencing hunger. We wouldn't be able to put on such a great event without our sponsors, donors, chefs, our incredible staff and volunteers. We are immensely grateful to everyone who made this year's Toronto Taste one of the best," says Debra Lawson, Executive Director of Second Harvest. "It is because of Toronto's collective passion for helping fellow neighbours in need that Toronto Taste is achievable. The event is critical to the success of Second Harvest's food rescue program, and accounts for 20% of the annual revenue, helping provide good food each month to over 100,000 children, adults and seniors experiencing hunger."

Presenting sponsor The Daniels Corporation has been a part of Toronto Taste for the last 21 years and is committed to helping support Second Harvest's vision that no one needs to go hungry. "The Daniels Corporation was proud to be the presenting sponsor for Toronto Taste once again this year," says Don Pugh, Vice President, The Daniels Corporation. "We believe in the work that Second Harvest does for our community, ensuring that those who are hungry can have access to nutrient-dense food." 

About Second Harvest
Established in 1985, Second Harvest is the largest food rescue charity in Canada. Second Harvest rescues excess, fresh foods that would otherwise go to waste, and delivers that food to more than 220 social service agencies in Toronto, feeding people experiencing hunger. Since 1985 Second Harvest has rescued and delivered over 100 million pounds of food, thus preventing 50 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. Second Harvest's vision: No Waste. No Hunger.

SOURCE Second Harvest

For photo from the event and information, please contact: Katie Knopp, Zenergy Communications, 416-591-5461, [email protected]