Food Outreach asked the St. Louis community to open their hearts and wallets at Ye Olde A Tasteful Affaire 24 on Sunday, April 15. This year’s renaissance-themed auction transported attendees back to medieval times with festivities fit for a king.
The royal court (VIPs) sipped on specialty cocktails and small batch beer provided by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, which was recently voted one of the top five new breweries in the world. Guests feasted on eclectic hors d’oeuvres from some of St. Louis’ best local eateries, including Orlando’s, Mosaic, Pappy’s Smokehouse, and Pickles Deli. A stilted jester showed off his knife juggling skills to those perusing the auction tables. Some of the most generous donations included sports memorabilia, vacation packages, vintage wines, and spa packages.
The annual Tasteful Affair celebration is traditionally Food Outreach’s largest fundraising event. The charity’s proceeds provide nutritional support to low income men, women, and children battling Cancer or HIV/AIDS in the greater St. Louis area.
Food Outreach was founded in 1988 by Friends Caring for Friends Living with HIV/AIDS and has recently expanded its mission to also include Cancer. It is the only organization of it’s kind in the St. Louis area and has not turned down a single person in need. Food Outreach supplies nutritious hot meals, nutrition education, and counseling for all of its clients. In 2011, the need for Food Outreach services reached its highest level in its 24-year history. Volunteers and staff members served more than 484,333 nutritious meals to 1,902 individuals, ages 4 to 90, in 137 Missouri and Illinois zip codes.
For Executive Director Greg Lukeman, the commitment is strong and unwavering. “Dealing with the current economic times has been challenging, but I believe with challenge comes opportunity. A wise man once told me that you should never harp on what you don’t have because you will never get it.”
Working along side of TOKY’s great creative work, SCORCH created a micro-site through their Facebook page and took control of their social media efforts by reaching out to sponsors and supporters. SCORCH is proud to have been a lead sponsor for A Tasteful Affaire, and can’t wait for next years event.
