At Cultivate, we often speak about community. The “It takes a village” mantra is one we live each day. But rarely does this theme play out more than our annual Taste of Hope fundraiser. We welcomed nearly 700 guests, staff, and volunteers, 13 local chefs and restaurateurs, several guest speakers and an unbelievable musical performance from Memphis Underground. This was all made possible by the generosity of over 40 sponsors. Volunteers, supporters, partners, donors, staff, and family filled the room to celebrate the success of Cultivate’s mission and to inspire one another to keep going on this journey as the need, but also our ability to help, grow.
The theme for 2023 was “Building our Future”. As our largest fundraiser of the year, we raised over $375,000 to fund the mission. To raise this amount for operations is especially humbling during a $10 Million Capital Campaign for a community cold storage expansion. Executive Director, Jim Conklin states “The generosity of the Michiana community is unparalleled. We honor our long-time donors on the backs of whom we built this organization and are excited to see brand new supporters who are moved by the excitement around our mission.”
A unique feature of this fundraiser is the variety and deliciousness of the food! Thirteen guest chefs gave of their time and talents, donating all the food to make the evening memorable for our guests. From the Mini Duck Tostadas from Hilton Garden Inn’s Gillespie Center to the now famous Bread Pudding Bites from the University of Notre Dame’s Levy Chefs, guests enjoyed samplings from the best chefs in the area. Italian Bison Sandwiches, Pretzel Bites, Polish Sausage, Hungarian Goulash, Mashed Potato Bites, Chickpea Edamame Salad, Tenderloin Tidbits, and Hand Dipped Graeter’s Ice Cream, Fresh Iced Tea, and Stout Brownie Bites ensured that no one left the event hungry! Stephen Henderson, author of “The 24-Hour Soup Kitchen” provided the keynote speech. He shared stories of his travels around the world, studying how different countries feed, serve, and take care of their most vulnerable. We are overwhelmed by the support for this mission as we strive toward a community with no neighbor hungry, no food wasted. Thanks to the generosity of many, the event generated over $375,000 which will help us provide over 187,000 meals to our food insecure neighbors in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Marshall counties. We cannot thank you all enough for helping us to grow our impact in the community! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors who made the evening possible;
Platinum Sponsors
inTech RSM Tippmann Group Tire Rack
Gold Sponsors
Community Foundation of Elkhart County Grand Design RV Lippert Quality Window & Door Smoker Craft, Inc. Synergy Insurance
Silver Sponsors
ActionCoach ONE Growing Kids Learning Center State Farm- Brad Sutter Healy Group Logistick Martin Brothers Contracting Inc.
Bronze Sponsors
C12 DJ Construction Dynamic Mechanical Services First State Bank Four Winds Casino Goodwill H.B. Fuller HealthLinc Holladay Properties Indiana Trust Wealth Management Kem Krest Lake City Bank Milestone Miller Insurance Group NIPSCO Old National Bank R. Yoder ShiveHattery St. Mark Missionary Wells Fargo Advisors
Other Honored Sponsors
South Bend Community School Corporation Newmar Quality Dining Applied Innovation Crowe Personnel Partners 4-T Door Systems, Inc. John & Abby Tippmann