Super Bowl XXXIX Fundraiser Helps Feed the Nation's Hungry

Taste of the NFL raises money for the America's Second Harvest Network

SPECIAL NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: America's Second Harvest President and CEO Robert Forney will attend Taste of the NFL on February 5 in Florida. He is available for interviews -- at the event and in advance -- to discuss how support from the NFL helps to feed hungry people. Contact Ross Fraser for more information at 312-307-8470.

JACKSONVILLE --- February 1, 2005 --- A premier fundraising event on the eve of Super Bowl XXXIX  will benefit America's Second Harvest — The Nation's Food Bank Network, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States.

Chefs from top restaurants in each of the 31 National Football League team cities will prepare a signature dish for the 3,000 guests expected to attend the 14th annual Taste of the NFL — The Party with A Purpose®, on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 7 p.m.  — 11:30 p.m. EST at ATP International Headquarters on the Bolles Ponte Vedra Beach Campus in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Each chef will appear at food stations with a hometown NFL current or alum player.

The net proceeds of the event will be divided among America's Second Harvest food banks located in NFL cities. A portion of the funds raised also will be distributed to the America's Second Harvest national Community Kitchens program and the Food Research and Action Center.

"We are extremely grateful to the NFL and Taste of the NFL for raising these much-needed funds and increasing awareness of the prevalence of hunger in America," said Robert Forney, President and CEO of America's Second Harvest. “Our food banks help feed more than 23 million Americans every year, including nine million children. The funds we receive from this event will have an extraordinary impact on our mission to create a hunger-free America."

"Taste of the NFL is proud to announce that America's Second Harvest food banks and food rescue organizations in every NFL city will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this year's Party with a Purpose," said Wayne Kostroski, Founder and Executive Director of Taste of the NFL. "With the generous support of sponsors, volunteers and community leaders and guests, we are thrilled to be able reach out across the country to help end hunger." 

Taste of the NFL has raised more than $5.3 million dollars for hunger-related charities since its founding in 1992 through ticket sales, auction proceeds, sponsorships and sale of the Taste of the NFL Restaurant Guide.  For more information, visit www.tasteofthenfl.com.

America’s Second Harvest—The Nations Food Bank Network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a Network of more than 200 regional Member food banks and food-rescue programs serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The Network secures and distributes nearly two billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually. The America's Second Harvest Network supports approximately 50,000 feeding agencies nationwide, including food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, and Kids Cafes. These local organizations provide emergency food assistance to 23 million hungry Americans, including more than nine million children and nearly three million seniors each year.  For more information on America's Second Harvest, visit www.secondharvest.org.

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Contact:
Ross Fraser, 312-263-2303 ext. 127
Cell: 312-307-8470