The United Way’s 14th Annual Statesboro Tasting transformed the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility into a vibrant hub of culinary excellence and community spirit. With record attendance and donations raised, this popular event not only showcased the best of local cuisine, but also raised vital funds for local nonprofits at a crucial time.
The Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility at Paulson Stadium took on a new role Wednesday night, transforming into a premier venue for the United Way’s 14th annual Tasting Statesboro. This year’s event, hosted by the United Way of Southeast Georgia on August 14, 2024, marked a significant milestone as it expanded and increased its presence at “The Tip.” Over 600 attendees, sponsors and supporters were thrilled with the record-breaking event and the seamless integration of this community-focused event with Georgia Southern University.
Tasting Statesboro the United Way has long been one of the most anticipated social events in the area, and this year was no exception. The event isn’t just a culinary showcase featuring over 40 local restaurants – it’s a great opportunity for the community to unite and support a great cause.
Since its inception in 2011, Tasting Statesboro the United Way has raised awareness and funds for local nonprofits. The event invites attendees to sample a wide variety of cuisine from some of the area’s most popular restaurants. From breakfast specialties to delicious desserts, coffee, beer and wine, there is something for everyone. In addition to generous offerings from local restaurants, the event is supported by major sponsor Brodie International and joins over 50 annual sponsors whose support is critical to the event’s success.
This year’s Statesboro Tasting took on even greater significance as the community came together following the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Debby. Many of the charities supported by the event were called into action and provided vital assistance during and after the storm.
As guests browsed the seemingly endless selection of savory small plates and sweet treats, they also had the opportunity to participate in the “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” campaign and donate to their favorite restaurants. The top contenders were Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Cosmic Cowboy BBQ and Bull and Barrel Steakhouse, which collectively raised significant funds for the cause.
The event also included a VIP area where major sponsors were honored. Attendees mingle and enjoy the evening’s signature drink, Purple Reign, while Georgia Southern’s iconic mascot Gus made the rounds and posed for photos with the excited guests.
One of the highlights of the evening was the 50/50 raffle, where Alana Davis was thrilled to win the $750 prize. The atmosphere of the evening was enhanced by live music from the Tall Paul Trio, whose tunes provided the perfect backdrop as a gentle breeze blew through the training facility.
The evening, organized by Carey C. Cassedy, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Georgia, along with Edie Grice and Zamaria Ball, Assistants of the GS MPA Institute of Vibrant and Engaged Community, was a resounding success. Their efforts, supported by a dedicated team of United Way board and committee members, ensured that the event was a household name.
As the evening came to a close, guests left with full stomachs and warm hearts, knowing that their participation had made a tangible difference in the community they care about.
The Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility at Paulson Stadium proved even more valuable as it was converted into a world-class event facility for the United Way’s Tasting Statesboro.
The United Way of Southeast Georgia Tasting Statesboro on Wednesday evening, August 14, 2024, was the agency’s 14th annual event, but was enhanced and expanded by its move to “The Tip.” Event participants, sponsors and event attendees were overwhelmed by the enhancement of this year’s record-breaking event, which showcased our community’s wonderful partnership with Georgia Southern University.
Not only is Tasting Statesboro the United Way one of the most highly anticipated social events of the year, an opportunity to sample dishes from over 40 local restaurants, but it is also a chance for our community to come together and support a great cause!
Since 2011, the United Way of Southeast Georgia has successfully hosted Tasting Statesboro the United Way to raise awareness and funds for local nonprofit member organizations. Tasters experience a wide variety of food from different cuisines, from restaurants,
Each year, local establishments participate in the event to promote their menus and products – from breakfast, lunch, dinner and appetizers to desserts, coffee, beer and wine! In addition to our generous restaurants donating their time and dishes to the United Way of Southeast Georgia’s main event, the event is supported by over 50 sponsors each year!
Best of all, everyone who attends the event is directly supporting local charities, making a tangible difference in our community. Many of these charities were called into action this past week as our community survived and continued to recover from the flooding left behind by Hurricane Debby.
Guests strolled between seemingly endless tables offering an abundance of hearty small dishes and delicious desserts.
A VIP area honored companies that served as major sponsors for the event, and guests chatted animatedly while some sipped the evening’s signature drink, Purple Reign.
Over 600 event attendees were invited to donate to their favorite restaurant by participating in the “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” campaign. The restaurants that raised the most money were Jim ‘N NIck’s BBQ, Cosmic Cowboy BBQ and Bull and Barrel Steakhouse.
Contestant Alana Davis was overjoyed when her name was announced as the winner of $750 in the 50/50 raffle.
Gus, Georgia Southern’s iconic mascot, mingled with fellow foodies and posed for numerous photos. Terry Harvin, GM of Georgia Southern Sports Properties, served as master of ceremonies.
The highly successful and talked about event was organized by Carey C. Cassedy, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Georgia, along with Edie Grice and Zamaria Ball, GS MPA Graduate Assistance from the GS Institute of Vibrant and Engaged Communities, who were assigned to United Way as interns. The three were supported by a team of United Way board and committee members.
The Tall Paul Trio provided the perfect musical accompaniment to the beautiful evening, which was further enhanced by the gentle breeze on the training grounds. The evening ended with full stomachs and happy hearts.
