about us
A PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Taste! Central Florida is the region’s premier culinary event, bringing together Central Florida’s top chefs, restaurants, and beverage experts for an unforgettable evening. Guests experience delicious dining, exceptional cocktails, live entertainment, and a shared mission to combat hunger in our community.
Since its inception in 1989, this remarkable event has raised over $4 million—equating to more than 16 million meals provided to children experiencing hunger across Central Florida. The annual celebration thrives on the generosity of our community’s chefs, brewers, and distillers who donate their time, talent, and creations.
Our 300+ volunteers, sponsors and ticket holders like you play a critical role in making this event one of the leading fundraisers for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Every contribution directly impacts children and families facing food insecurity.
The best part? 100% of event proceeds go towards funding vital programs that serve children and families facing food insecurity.
In addition to making a tangible difference, your business will gain visibility among thousands of attendees and community members, showcasing your dedication to local causes and Central Florida’s culinary excellence.
SATURDAY,
July 12, 2025
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
6PM - 11:00 PM
21 & Over
cocktail attire requested
beneficiaries
Taste! Central Florida Committee
Co-chairs
Haley Hitzing, Event Chair, Sodexo Live!
Nicole Spooner, Partnership Chair, Mpact Orlando Marketing
Christina Nguyen, Communications Chair, Vidi Global
Daniele Lajeunesse, Fundraising Chair, Cox Seafood
Liz Buske, Secretary
Planning Committee
Andrea Patenaude, Thirty-One Gifts
Anna Schoenherr
Bill Sullivan, I Wanna Distributors, Inc.
Brett Buske
Brooke Santiago, Coalition for the Homeless
Bruce Spooner
Caitlin Canning Glassman, The Good Pour
Caitlyn Brophy
Carla Smith
Carolina Grabova
Carolyn Shub
Caryn Goldstein
Chris Chen, Viet-Nomz
Chrissy Haight
Dan Samuels,
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Ed Nasser, Truist
Gabriela Martinez
Jay Rusch
Jen Smith
Jennifer Pence, Community Advocate
Jessica Baum
Jessica Guzman, Coalition for the Homeless
Jillian Drake
John Cooper
John Kolata, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Julian Roger Da Costa, Disney
Karen Busch
Karen Smart
Kelly Wolf
Keshia Sutton, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Kelsey Kercado, Sodexo Live!
Kevin Batterberry
Kimmie Caramuta, Paradigm
Leigh Anne Nieman, Disney
Makenzie Cerdena
Marc Gibson
Mark Charlton
Mark Zickefoose, AT&T
Maureen Martin, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Michele Cooper,
Florida Dairy Farmers
Michele Stevens, WFTV
Michelle Kandrac, Mpact Orlando Marketing
Mike Mele, Pershing/BNY
Nancy Mele, Alpha Gamma Delta
Nicole Amero
Paul Bodoia, Taylor Printing
Ricky Ly, Tasty Chomps
Scott Schrope,
Quest Inc
Selina Mullenax, CORT
Sharon Joseph, Chep
Susan Boucher, The Good Pour
Susan Kaney,
Coalition for the Homeless
Trinette Nation, Coalition for the Homeless
Veronica J. Mucha,
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Zenith Lwin,
Center for Adult & Child Psychiatry
Volunteer
Join our team of volunteers and be a part of an incredible event!
If you’re interested, please contact taste.orlando.volunteer@gmail.com.