by Andrew Chalk
Sunday night the Dallas Cowboys set themselves a target of raising $200,000 for the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). An important goal, as the NTFB is $600,000 short of their annual target and the fiscal year ends in June. To get to the target, the Cowboys held the Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party.
At an event emceed by Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher alongside former players Preston Pearson, Chad Hennings and Daryl Johnston, guests got the chance to bid in a live auction for such things as wine country luxury getaways, chefs tasting meals for 10 at Abacus, lunch with “Christopher Ewing” (Jesse Metcalfe) and a pit pass and suite at three races at North Texas Motor Speedway. Supplementing the live auction was a silent auction with dozens of lots including Cowboys memorabilia, meals at local restaurants, wines and spirits.
This was one tailgate party that had a pretty impressive selection of chow. Kent Rathbun (Abacus) led the chef contingent which included Graham Doods (Central 214), David Holben and Aaron Henschen (Del Frisco’s), Frosted Art Bakery and Studio (Bronwen Weber), Orazio Lamanna (Legends Hospitality at Cowboys Stadium), Taylor Kearney (Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse), Beverly Eskridge (NTFB Community Kitchen Production Coordinator), Vincent Ginatta (Paciugo Gelato & Caffe), James Johnson (Pappas Bors. Steakhouse), Scott Gottlich (The Second Floor Bistro-Bar), T.J. Lengnick (Shinsei), Ernie Mendoza (Suze), Patrick Smith (Tejano Bros. New Texas Cuisine Black Tie Catering) and Sascia Marchesi (Zeppole at The Gaylord Texan).
While guests dined they were entertained by live music from Emerald City. Also involved were over 20 sponsors led by presenting sponsor Lockheed Martin.
STOP THE PRESSES…THIS JUST IN…
The event raised $231,095. Well ahead of the $200,000 target and 15% more than last year. The NTFB sent a big thank you to everyone who made a contribution.
