Super Bowl fever is officially here as we are just a week away from the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the San Francisco 49ers in Miami.
The week leading up to the Super Bowl is every football fan’s dream. There is always so much going on at all times and this year is no different. From media days to radio row to team practices, the action is nonstop leading up to the on-field action on gameday.
The NFL runs numerous events and parties for fans, but also runs many charitable organizations throughout the week. One such charity is the Taste of the NFL.
Established in 1992, Taste of the NFL has raised more than $26 million to be donated to food banks and nonprofits in each of the 32 NFL cities. Their efforts alone have resulted in more than 220 million meals provided to people in need, many being children and the elderly.
Taste of the NFL is the driving force behind the Kick Hunger Challenge. The Kick Hunger Challenge is an online fundraiser that involves fans from all over the country. Each team has an outlet to donate money to, and whichever team’s fan base raises the most money wins. This pits NFL fan bases against each other in a friendly competition to provide for the hungry at the forefront. According to their website, the Seattle Seahawks and their fans hold a commanding lead, with an astounding $123,660 raised.
While Taste of the NFL lasts all season long, it is capped off with an extravagant party on the eve of the Super Bowl called Party with a Purpose. This event brings together a star-studded lineup of chefs; NFL players, coaches, and legends; all fighting for a common goal: to eradicate hunger.
There is food from all over the country, music, and celebrities everywhere you look. The chefs that appear are from each of the NFL’s 32 cities, and a select few from the Miami area are selected to join the festivities. Along with them, some celebrity chefs are expected to make appearances at this year’s event, including Mauro Joey from the TV show Cake Boss.
This year, the legendary coach of the Miami Dolphins, Don Shula, is serving as the National Honorary Chair. Shula’s ‘72 Dolphins team is the only team in NFL history to go undefeated. Shula has been involved with Taste of the NFL for years and was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He received this honor in recognition of his service in the South Florida area, where he has helped to feed families for the last 28 years.
Shula is not the only big name that will be at the event. Many singers and songwriters are scheduled to appear as well. Among the names expected to show are Martina McBride, Derrick Wright, Amanda Brown, Ali Caldwell, and Al Carty. Many former and current NFL players are expected to be at Party with a Purpose as well, including Ray Lewis, Santonio Holmes, Matt Stover, Morten Anderson, and Franco Harris.
All revenue made from tickets to Party with a Purpose will be donated. General admission tickets are $700 per person, and there are VIP tables of 10 available for $10,000.
Taste of the NFL is a great initiative set forth by the NFL, serving an important cause. As you prepare to sit down for your own Super Bowl party, consider donating to Taste of the NFL and the Kick Hunger Challenge and help the less fortunate see and feel the positives of sports.
Written by Michael Hull
Photo Courtesy: Marel Hinners (BCPR)
