The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank hosted the 10th annual Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, Aug. 29, 2017, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
An estimated 700 guests in attendance donated funds to provide the equivalent of more than 700,000 meals to support those in our community facing hunger.
“Our community truly rallied together to support hunger-relief efforts and honor genuine football legends,” said Dan Flowers, President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “We began our day at the Foodbank by planning to send two truckloads of food and essential items to our partner food banks in the Houston area to support families affected by Hurricane Harvey. We are proud of our food bank network, and you, our supporters, for investing in your Foodbank tonight, and for believing all families in our community deserve access to healthy, nourishing meals.”
Hall of Fame Enshrinees attended the event to mingle with guests and sign autographs. Member of the 2016 induction class, Morten Andersen, was a popular Enshrinee with guests and was joined by other incredible legends of the game, Dave Robinson, John Randle and Thurman Thomas.
This year’s event highlighted delectable cuisine and beverages provided by more than 20 local and national vendors. Some of the area’s top chefs came together for the Foodbank and also to compete for the title of Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame People’s Choice award winner.
Guests walked from table to table sampling each purveyors’ dishes from: BOMBA Tacos & Rum, The Canton Brewing Company, Chocolates by Erin, Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, Driftwood Modern American Bistro, Dunkin Donuts, Gervasi Vineyard, Main Street Gourmet, Main Street Grille, Meeker Wines distributed by Esber Beverage, Ohio Brewing Company, Pav's Creamery, Pepsi, The Rail, Robert J. Events & Catering, Saffron Patch in the Valley, SHY Cellars, Troutman Vineyards, The West Side Bakery and The Winery at Wolf Creek.
The Rail was crowned the People’s Choice award winner. The Rail won the honor of most popular dish by serving the Mojo Burger, made with a 50/50 blend Ohio beef and Ohio andouille sausage, lettuce, tomato, local cheddar and house-made jalapeño coleslaw, the Mr. Mariola Sandwich, the Bruschetta Burger and also a blueberry-basil lemonade made with OYO Vodka.
Meeker Vineyards, provided by Esber Beverage, was the featured wine provider at the event. Molly Meeker, co-owner of Meeker Vineyards, originally from Youngstown, was present to mingle with guests and offer wine tasting tips.
Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a partnership between NFL teams and food banks across the country. Local events are held in NFL cities throughout the year, and a national Taste of the NFL event is held on the eve of the Super Bowl. The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is proud to partner locally with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
For more information about the Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame or the Akron- Canton Regional Foodbank visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900.
Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is presented by Citizens Bank and Rubber City Radio Group stations including: WQMX, WONE, WAKR and WNWV.