Event Recap: 20th Anniversary Market at the Food Bank

Sunday evening, Mr. H and I headed to the food distribution center for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank for the 20th Anniversary Market at the Food Bank event to benefit the Harvest for Hunger Campaign.

When I used to work for the organization, the event was held at The Galleria. It was a gorgeous setting for a nighttime event, but now that the event has moved to the Food Bank's own facility, you can truly see the impact of the dollars raised at this fundraiser. The warehouse, in particular, is so impressive, and most of the event is held within the neatly organized, towering shelves.

Restaurants and beverage stations are tucked in aisles, the volunteer re-pack area, and the loading dock. Guests get to wander through the facility, sampling food from about 50 different stations.

Some of the participating restaurants I knew would be favorites, like Edwins' Pork Terrine with Pickled Vegetables and Asparagus Quiche, and Trentina's pasta, and the Tuna Tonnato from Chef John Selick at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center.

But, there were some surprises as well. I enjoyed the Lobster Bisque and Bacon Tomato Sandwich from Strip Steakhouse/Tree House, and the Asian-inspired Tacos from Pub Frato.

There may have been two versions of Chicken Paprikash there, but Chef Jeff Jarrett and Sterle's was superior.

 I'm still trying to convince Mr. H to purchase one of their shirts. I think it's hysterical.

Plenty of sweet treats were there for anyone with a sweet tooth. I avoided most of it, but ended my night with a scoop of Salted Caramel Truffle from Tremont Scoops. I highly recommend.

The event raised more than $230,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. That's a record for this event, and I was just happy to be a part of it. Mr. H had a bit too much wine, and spent a pretty penny in the silent auction. I'm sure that I won't mind as much when we're dining on the Observation Deck of the Terminal Tower with six friends and food from Chef John Selick. I was just content knowing that the funds will be used in our local community, and that for every $1 donated, the Food Bank can provide 4 meals in a hunger center. Congratulations to the team at the Food Bank! The 20th Anniversary event was a success in every way.

All images were provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Disclosure: I am a former employee of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. I was provided with four General Admission tickets in exchange for hosting a ticket giveaway and a post-event blog post. All opinions stated are 100% my own.