The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank hosted the ninth annual Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, Aug. 30, 2016.
More than 600 guests donated funds to provide nearly 700,000 meals to support hunger-relief efforts in our community.
“Our community came together this evening to support hunger-relief efforts and honor true legends of the game,” said Dan Flowers, president & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “To our guests, thank you for investing in us tonight, and for believing all families in our community deserve access to healthy, nutritious meals.”
Hall of Fame Enshrinees attended the event to mingle with guests and sign autographs. Past Cleveland Browns player Joe DeLamielleure was a popular Enshrinee with guests, and was joined by other incredible Enshrinees game Derrick Brooks, Dermontti Dawson and Andre Reed.
This year’s event highlighted delectable cuisine and beverages provided by more than 20 local and national vendors. Some of the area’s top chefs came together for the Foodbank and also to compete for the title of Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Champion.
Guests walked from table to table sampling each purveyor’s dishes from: Canton Brewing Company, Chocolates by Erin, Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gervasi Vineyard, Main Street Gourmet, Meeker Wines distributed by Esber Beverage, Pav’s Creamery, Pepsi Food Service, The Rail, SHY Cellars, The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard, The West Side Bakery at Green, The Winery at Wolf Creek Tommy Li’s, Troutman Vineyards.
Savor from Canton was crowned the People’s Choice Award winner. Chef Jason Krisher and his team won by serving blackened dry sea scallops over purple polenta with blue cheese and candied bacon, garnished with wheat grass. They also served house sangria with organic wine and fresh strawberries.
Meeker Vineyards from California was the featured winery at the event. Molly Meeker, co-owner of Meeker Vineyards, originally from Youngstown, was present to mingle with guests and offer wine tasting tips.
Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a partnership between NFL teams and food banks across the country. Local events are held in NFL cities throughout the year and a national Taste of the NFL event is held on the eve of the Super Bowl.
For more information about the Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Akron- Canton Regional Foodbank visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900.