Taste of the NFL, a 501c3 organization, announced the launch the national Kick Hunger Challenge®, an annual fundraising campaign that pits fans from all 32 NFL markets against each other for a friendly competition to raise money for food banks nationwide. The season-long fundraiser kicks off as part of September’s Hunger Action Month and culminates at the 24th Annual Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose® held on the eve of Super Bowl XLIX on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
Fans are encouraged to support Taste of the NFL’s mission to end hunger by donating to their favorite NFL team’s fundraising page online at kickhungerchallenge.com. One hundred percent of donations made to a team’s individual page will be distributed to the team’s local food bank partner.
As part of the organization’s commitment to rallying the country’s top chefs to raise awareness and money, TASTE OF THE NFL has appointed Andrew Zimmern as this year’s national culinary host for its Party with a Purpose®. Zimmern, the creator, host and co-executive producer of Travel Channel’s hit series, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, will lead the charge along side national celebrity spokesperson, Alyssa Milano.
“With millions of people in America struggling with hunger, the need to do more is greater than ever,” said Zimmern. “I am honored to support Taste of the NFL’s efforts as culinary host and one of many of this country’s top chefs and NFL players that are raising money and awareness in support of food banks throughout the United States.”
This year’s star-studded Party with a Purpose® fundraising event brings together exceptional cuisine, prominent chefs from around the country, including Arizona Cardinals Celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain along with NFL players, coaches, legends and more, all to support the fight against hunger.
Tickets for Party with a Purpose® are on sale now and can be purchased at www.tasteofthenfl.com. Prices are $700 each for guest tickets and $9,000 for VIP tables of 10. An exclusive Diamond Package Experience is also available. For more information, visit tasteofthenfl.com/superbowlevent.
Those who can’t attend the event can still support Taste of the NFL’s mission to end hunger by participating in the Kick Hunger Challenge. NFL fans can visit www.KickHungerChallenge.com and make a donation on behalf of their favorite team. All proceeds from the Kick Hunger Challenge go directly to food banks in NFL team cities.
Arizona fundraising efforts include a Valley-wide restaurant fundraising promotion that supports Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge to promote awareness and action to end hunger in America – with local funds raised staying in Arizona.
In the spirit of Super Bowl XLIX, Taste of the NFL is enlisting 49 local restaurants to participate in the challenge from October – December to raise funds and compete for a chance to be part of the Taste of the NFL action. All proceeds raised in the “Flavors of the Valley” competition will support two local food banks – St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix and Vista del Camino Food Bank in Scottsdale.
The five (5) restaurants that raise the most money during promotion will be invited to participate in the “Flavors of the Valley” area at the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose®.
Taste of the NFL’s 24th Anniversary partners that have lent an effort to Kick Hunger include: E&J Gallo Winery, American Family Insurance, Low T Centers and TNFL’s newest partner, Arizona-based Avnet.
