Waste Not Want Not will host its signature fundraising gala, Corks & Forks, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. This year’s theme, “The Cigars & Bourbon Edition,” promises the evening will bring together business leaders, philanthropists and community champions to raise critical funds that help rescue surplus food and provide meals to thousands of neighbors experiencing food insecurity across Northeast Florida.
Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring exceptional cuisine, premium bourbon tastings, handcrafted cigar experiences, live entertainment by Blackwater, an exciting live auction and inspiring stories of how rescued food is transforming lives throughout the region.
The event will be held 7-10 p.m. at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $250 for general admission and $350 for VIP.
This year’s honorary chairman is Marc Hassan, president and CEO of Spectrum Realty and a PLAYERS Championship Red Coat. Event co-chairs Paul McDaniel and Christie Hingst are leading this year’s gala with a shared commitment to ensuring that no family has to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.
“Corks & Forks is more than an evening of great food and fellowship; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Kathleen Spears, executive director of Waste Not Want Not. “Every dollar raised helps rescue nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it to children, seniors, veterans and hardworking families who need it most.”
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,750 to $15,000 and offer a variety of recognition benefits, including premium seating, program advertising, on-stage recognition and year-round brand visibility. Custom sponsorship packages are also available to align with each organization’s philanthropic and marketing objectives.
To reserve tickets, become a sponsor or request additional information, contact Spears at kathleen@wastenotflorida.org
Waste Not Want Not is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger, reducing food waste and strengthening communities across 14 counties in Northeast Florida. As the region’s only nonprofit solely focused on food rescue, the organization recovers high-quality surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, distributors and other food partners and redirects it to nearly 100 nonprofit agencies serving children, families, seniors, veterans and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Powered by hundreds of dedicated volunteers and a network of generous food donors, Waste Not Want Not rescues close to 2 million meals annually, ensuring nutritious food nourishes people instead of filling landfills. Each week, the organization helps provide food for more than 15,000 neighbors, creating healthier families while reducing environmental waste.
For more information, to volunteer or to support the mission, go to wastenotflorida.org.
