SOUTH SHORE YMCA HELPS FEED THE SOUTH SHORE WITH “THE TASTE” 2021

OCTOBER 21, 2021 | RANDOLPH, MA: The YMCA exists to strengthen communities by bringing people together, and for over 20 years, the South Shore YMCA has gathered over 700 people in the ballroom of Lombardo’s for the Y’s signature fundraiser, The Taste of the South Shore, a tasting event which assembles the best chefs in the area to raise money that helps the Y serve the community.

The pandemic has forced many organizations to put large gatherings on hold, dealing a major blow to charitable non-profits like the South Shore Y who rely upon funds raised to sustain vital community programs and services.

This year, the Y was once again challenged to reimagine its popular fundraiser and on Thursday, October 21, the Taste of the South Shore was held virtually. Guests tuned in via computer or mobile device to watch the action at home while enjoying a “heat and eat” Taste Dinner Box, which included four courses prepared by different area restaurants, paired with local craft beers or wines.

Thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsors, partners, and donors, the event raised $275,000 to support the Y’s mission to ensure that no one on the South Shore goes hungry during the holidays and beyond, while also supporting local restaurants, food and beverage companies.

With the holidays and colder weather approaching, the South Shore Y is preparing to meet an expected increased need for food service assistance. Funds raised through the Taste of the South Shore support the Y’s food pantry and Holiday Assistance Program that brings holiday meals, warm clothes, and gifts to neighbors and children.

“There is still a major need to assist people on the edge of food insecurity,” said Paul Gorman, President & CEO of South Shore YMCA. “Since March of 2020, our South Shore YMCA Germantown Neighborhood Center food pantry has been operating at four times its normal capacity, with lines that wrap around the building. We serve about 700 people each week through our food pantry, which includes adults, children and seniors.”

Billy Costa of KISS 108 FM and NESN’s Dining Playbook joined Gorman as emcees for this year’s Taste, which was headlined by a “Best Dish Award” competition where top local chefs prepared, plated and paired their signature dishes with local craft beer and wine selections before an intimate audience of Y supporters and partners.

David Lombardo of Lombardo’s in Randolph hosted the Best Dish competition between chefs Eric Caron, Executive Chef of Lombardo’s, Mark Ellis, Executive Chef and owner of The Chef’s Table catering, Fuji Group’s Executive Chef and Owner, Jimmy Liang, along with Executive Sushi Chef, Ming Cao, Anthony Mazzotta, Executive Chef of Lucca South Shore, and Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef and Owner of Alma Nove.

“We grew up as Y kids,” said Paul Wahlberg, “and this is our favorite event of the year. We are excited that the Y came up with a way to hold the event and make it entertaining.”

The winner of this year’s Best Dish Award went to Mark Ellis of The Chef’s Table, a catering business he owns along with wife Julie Ellis. Ellis prepared a grilled filet of beef with demi-glace, scallion mashed Yukons in a crispy potato basket atop a spinach mousse. The dishes were judged by participants based on presentation, taste and creativity.

“It is an honor participating in The Taste along with these amazing chefs,” said Ellis. “This event is so important to us, to our company and to our community. We are proud to be a part of it.”

“We’re thrilled to support the event,” said Lombardo. “Restaurants and hospitality businesses like ours are still struggling, but we always do what we can to support the Y and its mission. This event does both by raising funds for the Y while purchasing meals from local restaurants.”

For details, photos and video from the event, and information on how you can support the South Shore YMCA food pantry and holiday assistance program, visit ssymca.org/taste2021.

Watch the Full Virtual Event!

THE TASTE 2021 PHOTO GALLERY