Publicity

20th-Annual Taste of Mississippi to Benefit Homelessness and Hunger Relief Effort in Metro Area

Stewpot's Taste of Mississippi scheduled for
Monday, March 31 at Highland Village

This year's Taste of Mississippi event will offer samplings from more than 35 area chefs; a live auction featuring artwork by Mississippi artists and a hand-knotted traditional Serapi rug from The Rug Place of Jackson; a silent auction featuring local art, dinners and merchandise; and live music by Pryor and the Tombstones.

"Over the past two decades, Taste of Mississippi has become an event everyone looks forward to in the Jackson area," said the Rev. Frank Spencer, Executive Director of Stewpot Community Services. "This fundraiser helps a great number of underprivileged people in our area and provides an entertaining night out for our supporters. We are delighted to be celebrating our 20th year."

In 2007, Taste of Mississippi raised more than $105,000 to benefit less fortunate people in the Jackson area. This year, Stewpot hopes to raise even more money.

"The funds we raise through Taste of Mississippi are a critical part of our ability to perform our 17 different ministries benefiting the homeless and poor throughout the year," said Spencer. "The generosity shown by our friends and neighbors is second to none."

The cost of the event is $60 at the door. However, advance tickets are only $50 and may be purchased through the Taste of Mississippi web site, www.tasteofms.org, or by calling Stewpot at 601-353-2759.

Presenting Gold Sponsor is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, and Silver Sponsors are Regions Bank, Baptist Health Systems, AT&T, Viking Range Corporation, The Ramey Agency, Clear Channel, The Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi Printing Company and Comcast Spotlight.

Presenting Bronze Sponsors are BankPlus, Fountain Family Foundation, Ergon, CellularSouth Foundation, BancorpSouth, St. Dominic Health Services, Community Coffee, Atmos Energy, Highland Village, US Food Service and U.S. NetworX.

Started in 1981 by Jackson churches and the Jewish Synagogue, Stewpot provides assistance at no charge to central Jackson residents who are in need of food, shelter, clothing, love and encouragement. Headquartered in the Central Urban Ministry Center at 1100 West Capitol Street, Stewpot has grown to encompass 17 programs and is supported through volunteers and funds by more than 100 congregations and hundreds of individuals and businesses.

In 2007, Stewpot served more than 140,000 meals to hungry people in its Jackson Stewpot Kitchen and its Meals on Wheels program, or through one of the four Stewpot shelters. More than 1,200 families and individuals were provided safe overnight shelter, and more than 6,000 were provided emergency grocery supplies through the Stewpot Food Pantry.