Foodie Philanthropy is a new nonprofit which plans to combine fine dining and fun times in celebration of Fort Worth’s philanthropic spirit. Along with generous sponsors and host restaurants, each event will focus on one deserving local charity.
Seats for the inaugural event went on sale on February 1, and it will be held on February 20. The first intimate dining experience will raise money for Girls Inc. of Tarrant County.
“I originally came up with the idea while in China, where over the last seven years we have raised over $900,000 for over 25 charities…now operating in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong,” says Michael D. Crain, Founder of Foodie Philanthropy.
“You are invited to join a table of ten at one of the many participating restaurants in Fort Worth,” he says. “Foodie Philanthropy will select corporate and community leaders to serve as exclusive Table Hosts who will encourage their friends, clients, and colleagues to dine with them. Each restaurant will generously offer a three-course meal with wine pairings showcasing their unique style and specialties.”
After dinner, everyone will gather for an after-party to share their culinary experiences and celebrate the cause.
The interactive approach allows restaurants to shine in their own setting while giving guests an opportunity to enjoy a special evening surrounded by their closest friends. Foodie Philanthropy focuses on creating a fun environment for community leaders to come together to share good food and good times − and all for a good cause.
As one of the host restaurants, Executive Chef of Market + Table, Kalen Morgenstern, is excited to take part in the inaugural event. “We always try to give back and get involved where we can and this is for a great cause, Girls Inc.,” she says. “Everyone loves to take part in the big charity events, but this one is more assessable and much more intimate. Since each dinner will focus on a different organization in our area, it is also a great way to raise awareness of some of the remarkable charities in our area.”
Girls Inc. is the focus and beneficiary of the first event. Girls Inc. serves and advocates pre-teen and teenage girls who are at particular risk of things like: teen pregnancy, failing to complete high school, body image issues, and violence. Through their targeted intervention, education and mentoring relationships, Girls Inc. turns the tide for many of its girls.
In 2015, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County served over 8,042 girls, with an additional 5,424 girls educated through Girls Inc. outreach programs. Some of the remarkable progress and outcomes achieved include the fact that 98.8 percent of these girls graduated high school and some were the first to graduate in their family.
Jennifer Limas, CEO of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County says, “We are so honored to be chosen as the first beneficiary of Foodie Philanthropy. People are going to enjoy themselves by dining together, either trying a new restaurant or going to an old favorite. The restaurants have been so generous in donating their time and talent.”
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and physically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
“Your partnership with Foodie Philanthropy will inspire and equip girls in our community to be strong, smart, and bold,” says Limas. “Thank you for investing in their success.”
For information and ticketing: www.foodiephilanthropy.org
Participating Restaurants:
Brewed
Cannon Chinese
Capital Grille
Clay Pigeon
FW Market & Table
Grace
Joe T. Garcia’s
Los Vaqueros
Max’s Wine Dive
Piola’s
Swiss Pastry Shop
Z’s Cafe
After-Party Hosts: West 7th
