This year's "Taste of Mississippi: Homegrown Hunger Relief" is scheduled for Monday, March 30, beginning at 7 p.m. at Highland Village in Jackson. More than 40 area restaurants and beverage vendors have confirmed that they'll be dishing up tasty treats and pouring libations this year, all to benefit Stewpot Community Services.

In addition to the food and drink, live and silent auctions will feature state-wide and local art, dinners and merchandise, and as always, live music is on the agenda.

Stewpot has been assisting Jackson area residents in need since 1981, providing free food, shelter and clothing along with a healthy dose of love and encouragement. Among their many ministries are emergency shelters, after-school programs, a food pantry, summer camp and legal clinic. Stewpot served more than 140,000 meals to the hungry last year, and provided shelter to more than 1,200 families and individuals.

"We're very fortunate that during this tough economic time, there are still many Mississippians who are willing to share with the underprivileged people in our area," said the Rev. Frank Spencer, Stewpot executive director is a release. "This is the largest annual fundraiser for Stewpot, and we are delighted to be celebrating more than two decades of generosity from our supporters."

Last year, the event raised more than $112,000. This year marks the 21st year for the benefit.

Tickets for this year's event are $65 in advance and $80 at the door. You can purchase tickets online at the Taste of Mississippi Web site or by calling Stewpot at 601-353-2759. Individual sponsorship packages are also available this year beginning at $150.

Previous Comments

ID

144979

Comment

...and baquan2000, people come from all over the country to the Taste of Chicago. I was there two years ago. It attracts thousands of people and they make a lot of money. The sponsors of the Taste of MS should be commended for their efforts and they have done much to help the Stew Pot. Perhaps the planners have not thought this one through. They just might be interested in talking with you about some of your ideas that will give a bigger bang for the buck and more exposure to others. One other thing, the Taste of Chicago starts in June and ends on July 4th. More Time - More Money.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-03-20T08:46:33-06:00

ID

144980

Comment

I tend to agree with you, Baquan, in general. I was just having this conversation with someone yesterday about another prominent charity event that seems to be losing audience each year. I think a lot of charity events charge too much at the door. I believe in making it affordable to get in and then nickeling and diming people to death once they get in (like at the Chick Ball). Plus, you attract younger people, who in turn get used to giving. Plus: they need more vegetarian options (as do many of the good restaurants in town). Preferably not involving a portabello mushroom. Vegetarians can only eat so many portabello mushrooms. Highland Village is a cool spot for it, agreed. And I hope it's very successful.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-03-20T08:48:27-06:00

ID

144981

Comment

Re Highland Village: When I was in college, I used to think it was the coolest place ever to visit. I couldn't afford a lot there, but I loved the tucked-in shops. I still do, and get lost every time I go there. Which is what I love about it. And there are some fabulous little places tucked inside: Organizers and Crazy Cat Bakers are among my favorites. Everyone should go explore if you haven't lately; all the nouveau malls in the burbs probably are challenging Highland Village, so let's be sure to support our local gems.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-03-20T08:53:45-06:00

ID

144984

Comment

Yep, it's not criticism, as I like to say. Just room for possibilities.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-03-20T10:04:53-06:00

ID

144991

Comment

You are dead on with the analysis Baquan. Taste of Colorado when I lived in Denver was in Civic center park. It was free to get in (or at least so cheap I can't remember ever paying) then they nickeled and dimed you. It was great and was huuuge! Amen on the portabello mushrooms also Ms. Ladd. ;-)

Author

WMartin

Date

2009-03-20T11:51:33-06:00