Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida introduces new annual fundraiser

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently introduced a new annual fundraiser to support its mission.

The non-profit will host its first-ever Ultimate Garden Party fundraising event to support ending hunger.

The annual event, sponsored in part by WESH 2 News, will feature live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and specialty libations.

The theme for the first party will be "Escape to Elegance," complete with a Libations Lounge, Trunk Show and more. 

One hundred percent of the proceeds will support the food bank's efforts to fight hunger in the community.

According to the food bank, an estimated one in seven Central Florida residents is at risk of going to bed hungry on any given night.

Since March 2020, Second Harvest has increased food distribution efforts in direct response to a need for more assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, more than ever, we need the support of our donors to meet the need in our community,” said Carralyce Buford, event committee chair. “As our biggest fundraising event of the year, The Ultimate Garden Party will offer guests a fun afternoon, and more importantly, an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in support of a critical mission – fighting hunger in our community.”

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. 

The non-profit said it is expecting more than 400 attendees and has set a goal to raise $250,000, which equates to one million meals.

This event will replace the non-profit’s previous annual fundraiser, Wine, Women and Shoes.

For more information about the event, including when tickets will be available to purchase, click here.