| EAT. DRINK. END HUNGER. raises $1.2 million |
| Wednesday, 19 October 2011 10:12 | |||
 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE founder and director, Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as the vice president of corporate communications and national events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc is pleased to announce that the Festival raised over $1.2 million for the hunger-relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength. Over 50,000 guests attended over 125 different events September 29 – October 2, 2011 at various locations throughout New York City. "Bravo to the culinary community and to the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who helped this year's Festival succeed beyond expectation. This kind of unwavering support in today's fragile economic environment is extraordinary. The funds raised will help provide food and vital services to the three million New Yorkers citywide who are struggling to put food on the table," said Margarette Purvis, President & CEO of the Food Bank For New York City. "The Festival's extraordinary support is critical to our efforts to end childhood hunger in the United States," said Bill Shore, chairman and chief executive officer at Share Our Strength. "These funds will help our No Kid Hungry campaign connect children with food where they live, learn, and play." Attendees enjoyed some of the finest offerings in the Southern Wine & Spirits of New York portfolio, paired with unparalleled offerings of the city's best cuisine. The weekend also featured the Festival's first Tribute Dinner hosted by Martha Stewart honoring celebrated winemaker His Royal Highness Prince Robert of Luxembourg and renowned chef Jacques Pepin. Several New York City chefs came out of the weekend with plenty to brag about, beginning with Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop who was awarded the "Magnificent Meatball Award" by judges Dana Cowin, Alex Guarnaschelli and Lee Ann Wong at San Pellegrino's Meatball Madness presented by Buitoni hosted by Giada De Laurentiis on opening night of the Festival. Mark Israel from the Doughnut Plant was awarded the Godiva People's Choice Award on Friday, September 29 at Godiva Chocolatier presents SWEET sponsored by Absolut Vodka and Brancott Estate hosted by Sandra Lee. Next year's Festival will take place October 11 – 14, 2012 and 100% of the net proceeds from the Festival benefit the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength.
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