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.