Stephan Pyles Hosts Annual Harvest Kick-Off Party
Co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Melinda Knowles unveiled exciting updates for the 5th annual HARVEST benefiting The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) at a kick-off party hosted by celebrated chef and honorary chair Stephan Pyles at his Flora Street Café on June 12.
Upon arrival, the more than 100 host committee members and supporters mingled and enjoyed wine and delicious bites in the restaurant’s private dining room. At the appointed time, the co-chairs gathered the crowd to welcome everyone and thank them for their support of this year’s HARVEST, which will be held on September 21 at a new venue, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Co-chair Maggie Kipp took a few moments to recognize honorary chair Stephan Pyles, North Texas Food Bank president and CEO Trisha Cunningham and advisors and event co-founders Nancy Gopez and Kristi Bare.
She also announced that sponsors at the Silver level and up can enjoy early entry to begin sampling the chef stations, in addition to access to the Arboretum’s Alex Camp House for specialty cocktails and, just confirmed, an exclusive chef station by chef Stephan Pyles.
Co-chair Melinda Knowles then introduced the evening’s host, honorary chair and long-time friend to North Texas Food Bank, chef Stephan Pyles. In her introduction, she shared Stephan’s many culinary accolades, but also his commitment to the community, including his 30-year partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.
Chef Pyles followed to echo his gratitude to all for their attendance, including fellow chef/restaurateurs in the crowd, Gina and Scott Gottlich of 18th and Vine, and to encourage attendees to support HARVEST on September 21. He shared how honored he was to serve as this year’s honorary chair, as well as announced his participation with a chef’s station during the VIP party for Silver sponsors and above.
Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of The North Texas Food Bank, closed by raising her glass in gratitude to Chef Pyles, HARVEST co-chairs Kipp and Knowles, host committee members and sponsors for ensuring the 5th annual event will be the most successful to date and most importantly help meet the needs of more than 800,000 food insecure individuals in the Dallas community.
