Community to tackle hunger at Taste of the NFL event

The annual Taste of the NFL event, benefiting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, will be held on Sept. 18 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the new Event Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Taste of the NFL is a night of fine cuisine from local restaurants and beverages from local and national wineries. The main goal of the night is to raise funds to support hunger relief efforts in Northeast Ohio.

“This is a tough time for many people in Ohio, finding themselves out of work and stretching what little resources they have to keep meals on the table,” said Dan Flowers, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank president and CEO. “I am grateful for this special evening that brings together our community to raise money for these vulnerable individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet.”

Many Hall of Fame Enshrinees will be at the event mingling with guests. The most recent Hall of Fame inductees include, Floyd Little and Ricky Jackson. They will be joined by Tom Mack, Randall McDaniel, John Randle, Billy Shaw, Jim Taylor, Kellen Winslow and more.

Guests at the event vote to send their favorite chef to represent the Foodbank at the national Taste of the NFL at the 2014 Super Bowl. Other restaurant and beverage providers include Baja Pizzafish, Cilantro Thai and Sushi, Davis Candies, Downtown 140, Dunkin Donuts, Georgio’s Grille, Gervasi Vineyard, Glazer Distributors, Glenmoor Country Club, Harbor Inn, Hudson’s Restaurant, Ken Stewart’s, Main Street Gourmet, Meeker Wines distributed by Esber Beverage, Or Derv Foods, Pepsi Americas, Perennial Vineyards, Robert J. Events & Catering, The Canton Club, The Pub at The Wooster Inn, Traderman Distributors, Troutman Vineyards and Winery at Wolf Creek.

Auctions and raffles at the event will feature 2012 Ford Focus 2-year lease from Montrose Auto Group, VIP House of Blues package, Goodyear Blimp ride, trip to California wine country, Disney vacation, pizza for a year and much more.

Tickets are $100 for young professionals, $150 for general admission and $250 for VIP admission including; lounge access, early admittance, additional Enshrine autographs, priority valet parking and a VIP ticket holder gift. Tickets can be purchased at www.akroncantonfoodbank.org or by calling 330-535-6900.