Long Holiday Weekend = 92 Hours of Hunger

Long holiday weekends are not a time to rejoice for all kids. Did you know that by the end of the year, nearly 17 million children in America will worry about when their next meal will come. That's nearly one in four who are at risk of hunger, and who have limited or uncertain access to the nutritious foods they need to develop to their full potential. These are the children who are not fans of the long holiday weekends, these are the kids who rely on school meals, in many cases, as their only nutrition of the day. Three days off from school is 92 hours in between meals for hungry kids that rely on school meals, 92 hours of wondering when and where they will receive their next meal, 92 hours of gut wrenching agony.




I eat three meals plus snacks every day, if I forget to eat I get light headed and can’t concentrate on my work; imagine 92 hours of this feeling. I can’t; this is why I volunteer a considerable amount of time dedicating to ending childhood hunger. Despite its devastating and highly visible consequences, childhood hunger is invisible. You can't see it just by looking, and you can't measure it in pounds, but it is among us: It affects black, white, Asian and Hispanic, short and tall, thin and chubby kids, all kids.

Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation New Haven is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America and is scheduled in New Haven for Wednesday May 22, 2013 at the Omni Hotel at Yale. Join famed Chef Jacques Pepin as the Taste of the Nation® New Haven continues to set the bar on the culinary event scene by bringing over 40 of Greater New Haven's most notable chefs and bartenders together under one roof; providing an exclusive opportunity for attendees to mix and mingle with the area's top toques while savoring their creative dishes and libations. This year, our goal is to raise even more funds to ensure that no child in CT grows up hungry.

Support the fight against hunger with an elegant evening of fine wine, exquisite food and handcrafted cocktails at The Omni Hotel at Yale in the heart of downtown New Haven. VIP guests will enjoy private access to our VIP lounge with plush seating, specialty cocktails and opulent bites.

This is my fifth year as Chair and I am sad to report that the need continues to increase; BUT with the Connecticut NO KID HUNGRY Campaign to End Childhood Hunger in full effect and with your staff members assisting us with this great event we hope to diminish the need and one day we will be able to divert our energy to another cause. Get ready unforgettable evening of food from over 40 of the top restaurants in the New Haven area and 20 craft beverage vendors. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind experience packages in the silent auction and enjoy live entertainment. The Rickie Louise Miller/ Tony Dioguardi Duo will be entertaining all our guests in the Grand Ballroom. VIP Tickets holders will be experiencing an Evening Of Song with Tanya Leonard, accompanied by Derek Monahan on Guitar. VIP guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Chef Jacques Pepin and sample fine foods & spirits in an intimate setting on the 19th floor of the Omni Hotel.

Last year we raised over $60K, while that is a good number, it pales in comparison to the potential that this event can raise. This year we hope to raise even more money to help put an end to this epidemic. I am asking for your support by purchasing tickets. We are running a special Promotion for FRIENDS of Taste of the Nation New Haven! Click HERE for tickets. Enter promo code FRIENDNH2013 to receive 20% off tickets until April 20th! Cash and in-kind sponsorships underwrite all event costs and are absolutely welcomed. 100% of ticket sales help ensure that no kid goes hungry.