CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated the event was solely in collaboration with the Conrad H. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and that UH previously hosted Party with a Purpose in 2004.
The Super Bowl event Party with a Purpose, a fundraiser that unites 32 chefs from NFL cities with athletes to raise money for the Houston Food Bank, will take place Feb. 4 in collaboration with the University of Houston.
The host, Taste of the NFL, will serve over 45,000 tastings for 2,500 guests, including athletes and notable supporters.
“University of Houston and the Taste of the NFL are united in our passion for public service,” said UH Chancellor Renu Khator in a news release.
Carl Lewis, UH alumnus and 10-time Olympic medalist, returns to his alma mater as the UH Honorary Host for the anticipated night. According to a press release, Lewis continues his commitment to public service.
UH has the opportunity of being the first university to host Party with a Purpose.
The night will feature more than just fine dining. For those in attendance, there will be live musical performances and exciting bidding on sports memorabilia, travel packages and various auction items. Food and football will be celebrated while raising money for a great cause.
“This event provides student leaders in the Hilton College with the opportunity to volunteer and take part on the night of the event, which is an exciting way to learn from everyone in attendance,” said hotel and restaurant management junior Adrian Hernandez.
Through the event’s partnership UH, around 250 students from all colleges, including the Conrad H. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, are provided with the opportunity to volunteer and take part in the event.
Through the Hilton College, a Taste of the NFL culinary class was offered to students from all colleges and majors. The class focused on basic culinary skills and educated students on food insecurities across Houston and the nation.
George Pappas, from Pappas Restaurants, taught a class on knife skills and students worked with Chef Robert Del Grande, as well as volunteering at the Houston Food Bank. Students will use these skills by assisting chefs in the kitchen at the Taste of the NFL: Party with a Purpose event.
“This partnership reflects UH’s steadfast commitment to be a community-serving institution. We look forward to involving students in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” Khator said.
Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now at http://tasteofthenfl.com/.
