The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank hosted the 15th annual Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Legends of the NFL were in attendance to help rally support for the Foodbank’s mission, including Hall of Famers Isaac Bruce, Steve Largent and Randall McDaniel.
Nearly 400 guests in attendance helped provide the equivalent of nearly 800,000 meals to support individuals and families in the community facing food insecurity. All donations raised benefit the local fight against hunger.
The new sit-down format of the event, debuted last year, allows guests an intimate and memorable experience as they hear from football legends. All three Gold Jackets reflected on pre-game rituals, personal mantras and aha moments during the panel discussion led by Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO.
“When you’re living close to the line and are on a really tight budget, a car repair or other unexpected expense can really complicate life and cause families to make tough choices. Choices between groceries, heat and other necessary costs,” said Flowers. “But the work of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is to make sure no one in this community goes without food and that food insecurity can be alleviated by our collective efforts.”
To help raise funds for hunger relief, guests had the opportunity to bid on exciting silent and live auction items. Some items that thrilled the crowd and inspired many to give included a ride in the Goodyear blimp and the fund a meal donation component of the evening.
Guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages from AVI Foodsystems, The Bisto of Oakwood, Canton Brewing Co., Chocolates by Erin, Dunkin’, Esber Beverage, Gervasi Vineyard, Nothing Bundt Cakes, PEPSI, The Quarry Golf Club, Robert J. Events & Catering and SMOOSH Cookies. New this year was a strolling dessert hour with live music from Better Monday.
Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is presented by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Rubber City Radio Group stations including WQMX, WONE and WAKR.
For more information about Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900.