In the heart of Green Bay, during the electrifying NFL Draft Week, a unique event unfolded that seamlessly combined the love for football with a cause-driven culinary experience. National nonprofit GENYOUth debuted its inaugural “Taste of the Draft” event, an extraordinary blend of Wisconsin’s supper club culture, delicious culinary delights and a mission to end student hunger.
The Taste of the Draft Experience
Inspired by Taste of the NFL, the Super Bowl’s premier philanthropic event, Taste of the Draft was hosted by celebrated chefs Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Mark Bucher and Paul Bartolotta. The event featured 20 well-loved Wisconsin supper clubs serving signature dishes, including relish trays, popovers, America’s Dairyland delights, meat and seafood specialties and Fork Farms’ salad bar favorites. Attendees could savor an array of local cheeses, curated spirits and after-dinner ice cream drinks such as Grasshoppers and Pink Squirrels. Additionally, guests had the exclusive opportunity to mingle with Green Bay Packers legends like LeRoy Butler, Jerry Kramer, James Lofton, Dave Robinson and Ahman Green.
Driving Change for Students
The central purpose of the Taste of the Draft was not only to offer a memorable evening, but also to raise crucial funds for GENYOUth’s initiatives tackling student food insecurity in Wisconsin. In celebration of the 90th NFL Draft, nutrition grants will be awarded to 90 schools, providing Grab and Go meal carts, milk coolers and smoothie kits. These efforts will enhance access to healthy school meals that are rich in dairy products.
“The Taste of the Draft is helping us to raise funds to end student hunger right here in Wisconsin,” says Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. “The revenue generated at this event is going to help get more healthy school meals, including milk cheese and yogurt produced right here in America’s Dairyland to children who need it most. We’re grateful to America’s dairy farmers for their support and helping us to end student hunger.”
Building on GENYOUth’s legacy of community support, this initiative adds to the over 500 school nutrition grants already awarded in Wisconsin. With these grants, 250,000 students have gained access to 35 million meals annually. Additionally, physical activity grants have been provided to more than 650 Wisconsin schools, fostering healthier futures for students.
Urgency and Vision
With 1 in 6 Wisconsin children living in food insecurity and nearly half of the state’s students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, GENYOUth’s mission has never been more vital. For these children, schools play a pivotal role in providing balanced nutrition, including essential components like milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. GENYOUth, backed by committed partners like Schreiber Foods, American Family Insurance and America’s Dairy Farmers, is forging a future where every child can thrive.
A Call to Action
Through events like Taste of the Draft, GENYOUth, in collaboration with its partners, stands at the forefront of the fight against student hunger. Supporting these efforts means contributing to a brighter future where all Wisconsin children can grow to their full potential.
The Taste of the Draft event was a remarkable success, merging the excitement of the NFL, culinary excellence and a profound commitment to nourishing Wisconsin’s children. It’s a testament to GENYOUth’s vision of building a supportive community that rallies towards a future. A future where all children, fueled by the generosity and collaboration of so many, thrive and discover their best selves.
To help end student hunger and keep children active and health: Donate - GENYOUth
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