Press Releases

‘Taste of the Draft’ Fundraiser to Highlight Wisconsin Supper Clubs on Eve of 2025 NFL Draft

October 3, 2024

NFL, Packers and GENYOUth philanthropic culinary event to fight student hunger and celebrate supper club traditions

With the 2025 NFL Draft less than seven months away, the Green Bay Packers, NFL and nonprofit GENYOUth announced today the debut of a brand-new experience on the eve of the Draft: Taste of the Draft, presented by Schreiber Foods.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy in Green Bay on Thursday, along with representatives from GENYOUth and Schreiber Foods, to make the announcement.

Set for Wednesday, April 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schreiber Foods headquarters in downtown Green Bay, this brand-new philanthropic event will showcase an extraordinary blend of Wisconsin cuisine, culinary traditions and supper club culture while raising funds to benefit national nonprofit GENYOUth’s efforts to tackle student hunger in Wisconsin. Taste of the Draft 2025 is the first event of its kind in conjunction with the Draft, modeled after the popular Taste of the NFL event held each year during Super Bowl weekend.

“We’re looking forward to being a part of the first-ever Taste of the Draft event here in Green Bay,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “In Wisconsin, we are proud of how our unique supper club traditions and culture brings people together. We are pleased to be able to share that culture in conjunction with the NFL Draft while raising critical funds for Wisconsin schools to address food insecurity and help their students thrive and succeed.”

Noted culinary master, TV personality and author Andrew Zimmern will host Taste of the Draft 2025 and guests will enjoy entertainment through the evening and the chance to mingle with Packers and NFL Legends. With a nod to the full supper club experience, guests will taste everything from soup to nuts – or rather, relish trays to after-dinner drinks – with culinary experiences featuring fare from beloved Wisconsin supper clubs, curated spirits and salad bar favorites, as well as a showcase of the state’s best cheese and dairy products.

Those interested in attending the fundraiser may purchase group hospitality ticket packages at tasteofthenfl.com/taste-of-the-draft-2025. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

“There’s an incredible amount of excitement and anticipation around the 2025 Draft in Green Bay, a city that will surely shine on a global stage, thanks to the Packers, Discover Green Bay and all our local partners,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events. “As a part of our commitment to leaving a positive impact on the local community, we’re thrilled to announce the first Taste of the Draft event, which will highlight Wisconsin’s cuisine and heritage while benefiting GENYOUth’s efforts to fight student hunger throughout the state. Building off the success of Taste of the NFL at Super Bowl, the inaugural Taste of the Draft event is sure to be a cannot-miss occasion for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike.”

Net proceeds raised through Taste of the Draft will go toward GENYOUth’s programs and grants to address food insecurity in Wisconsin schools, leaving a lasting legacy by increasing equitable access to nutritious school meals among Wisconsin children who need them most, helping them to be their best selves. Wisconsin schools can sign up to be the first to hear when this grant opportunity opens and get updates on all new GENYOUth initiatives by visiting GENYOUthNow.org.

“We like to say, doing good has never tasted so great,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, GENYOUth CEO. “Taste of the Draft is driven by a commitment to provide Wisconsin’s children with the nourishment they need to thrive. School meals are essential, offering healthy, nutrient-packed meals including milk & dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. We are deeply grateful to the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, Schrieber Foods, and our purpose-driven partners for their unwavering support. Together, we’re ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need, not only to be well-nourished but to support their overall well-being and academic success, empowering them to reach their full potential. After all, the only hunger a child should have is a hunger to learn.”

Nearly half of Wisconsin students qualify for free or reduced priced school meals based on household income and 1 in 6 Wisconsin children lives in food insecurity. GENYOUth, in collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, has awarded school nutrition grants to over 500 Wisconsin schools with a combined enrollment of over 250,000 students, providing students with increased access to 35 million meals each year. Physical activity grants have been awarded to over 650 Wisconsin schools engaging close to 300,000 students in physical activity before, during, and after school.

Additionally, Taste of the Draft is seeking tradition-rich and well-regarded Wisconsin supper clubs from throughout the state to take part in the event, which will offer chefs the opportunity to show and tell the story of their dishes and mingle with event guests. Chefs and supper club owners and operators who want to participate in Taste of the Draft are encouraged to contact Jennifer Lauerman at **jennifer@boldnorthassociates.com**.

Taste of the Draft 2025 sponsors include presenting sponsor Schreiber Foods, premier sponsor American Family Insurance, the Ron and Dana Dunford Family Foundation, the Michael and Leanne Haddad Family Foundation, Jack and Engrid Meng, and the Richard J. Resch Foundation Ltd. Sponsorship opportunities are available for interested organizations and brands. For more information, please contact Nina McDonough at nina@boldnorthassociates.com.

About GENYOUth: GENYOUth is a 501c3 national nonprofit dedicated to helping school children thrive by living well-nourished and physically active lives. A catalyst for youth health and wellness, GENYOUth has supported over 77,000 U.S. schools to equip them with the resources needed to ensure millions of children have equitable access to nutrition and physical activity. Founded by America’s dairy farmers and the NFL, GENYOUth convenes a network of private and public partners, including Fortune 100 companies and foundations to ensure all children are nourished and active to be their best selves. With a commitment to end student hunger, GENYOUth provides nutrition grants to increase access to healthy school meals among food insecure students. GENYOUth is the official charitable partner of Taste of the NFL, a purpose-driven Super Bowl culinary experience that raises awareness and generates funds to fight hunger and food insecurity to support the organization’s commitment to end student hunger. To learn more and support GENYOUth visit www.GENYOUthnow.org and follow us on LinkedInFacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Images for media use are available herehttps://packers.files.com/f/9086318bddfcb660

###

Media Contacts: 

Katie Hermsen 
Green Bay Packers 
920-569-7218 
hermsenk@packers.com 

Lisa Travatello 
GENYOUth 
516-503-6277 
lisa.travatello@genyouthnow.org 

KEEP READING
GENYOUth Welcomes Two New Members to Its Board of Directors

Douglas Fry, President of Subway, North America; and Nancy Dalton, Director of Amazon Access, are dedicated to helping advance GENYOUth’s mission.

Dec 03, 2024

Rallying “Super” Support to Tackle Child Hunger: Fueling Louisiana Students to Victory!

GENYOUth, NOLA Public Schools, New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, and Purpose-minded Organizations Launch Super School Meals, a High Impact Statewide Initiative to Help End Student Hunger Among Louisiana Youth    

Oct 29, 2024

New Survey Reveals Majority of Americans Believe Food Insecurity Among Children Should be Addressed as a National Priority

GENYOUth Rallies Support for School Meals as a Vital Solution to Address Food Justice for Children During September’s Hunger Action Month.

Aug 28, 2024