EAT. DRINK. FIGHT HUNGER.
THE COLISEUM • ST. PETERSBURG Tuesday, September 15, 2026 A Metropolitan Ministries event, with proceeds benefiting our Hunger Relief Network.
ANJI CORLEY
TONIGHT’S HOST
Award-winning Multimedia Host and Global Brand Ambassador, Fox 13 Tampa Bay’s Host of Dinner DeeAs
GEOFF COWAN
AUCTIONEER Alpert Enterprises
DOUG “DJ FRESH” HENSEL CEO of DJ Fresh Events
TITUS O’NEIL
SPECIAL GUEST
WWE Legend
TONIGHT’S JUDGES
CHEF GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN AND HIS DAUGHTER, ANNA Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality whose career spanned some of the country’s most celebrated kitchens. A longtime Food Network favorite, Geoffrey is co-host of The Kitchen, a longtime judge on Chopped and winner of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs, earning him the title of Iron Chef. Joining him at the judges’ table is his daughter, Anna Zakarian, who grew up immersed in the world of food and hospitality and has developed a culinary voice of her own. Anna is co-author, with her sister Madeline, of the #1 national bestseller The Family That Cooks Together, featuring 85 of their favorite family recipes. She has appeared on Food Network and is known for her creative flavor combinations and discerning palate. The Zakarians also share a commitment to fighting hunger. Geoffrey serves as Chair of the Food Council for City Harvest, New York City’s food rescue organization, bringing together leaders from the culinary community to help feed neighbors in need. Anna has carried that commitment into the next generation through her own involvement with City Harvest. Together, Geoffrey and Anna bring two generations of culinary perspective - and perhaps a little friendly father-daughter debate - to the Tampa Bay Food Fight judges’ table, all in support of a cause close to their hearts: fighting hunger.
CHEF VANESSA MARQUIS
CEC, AAC and Corporate Executive Chef/Franchise Director of Culinary Innovation, FSC Franchise Co. Chef Vanessa Marquis leads culinary innovation for FSC Franchise Co. (The Brass Tap, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Newk’s Eatery). A member of ACF Culinary Team USA, she earned Silver medals at the 2018 Culinary World Cup and 2020 IKA Culinary Olympics. She serves as President of the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter and Chair of the ACF Chef & Child Initiative, and received the Humanitarian Medal from World Chefs Without Borders for her charitable culinary work.
CHEF RENE J. MARQUIS
CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC
Chef Rene Marquis is a retired combat-disabled Army veteran and former captain of the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Team, competing at the Culinary Olympics and World Cup, where his team earned 17 gold and 16 silver medals in 2004. A Season 1 winner of Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” he chairs the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter, leads Worldchefs’ Military Committee, and has earned the Chairs Medal from the American Academy of Chefs.
SCOTT TAVLIN
Radio Host & Motivational Speaker, Cox Media Tampa Scott Tavlin is a motivational speaker, award-winning radio host, and purpose-driven storyteller passionate about helping people believe beyond their limits and live with intention. Currently a host on Magic 94.9 FM, he’s spent the past seven years rising from a college kid with a dream to being voted Best Radio Personality in Tampa Bay. He speaks to organizations and schools about the power of belief and going after that “impossible” goal.
READY TO BID? VIEW AUCTION ITEMS & PURCHASE INSTA BUY PREMIUM RAFFLE TICKETS REGISTER WITH
#1 AN EVENING AT ALLELO Gather eight guests for an elevated five-course dining experience with expertly paired wines at Allelo. An unforgettable night of exceptional food, wine, and company.
#2 DINNER WITH A LITTLE SWAGGER AT JUNO & THE PEACOCK Experience one of St. Pete’s hottest dining destinations with a five-course dinner and wine pairing for eight guests at Juno & The Peacock. Come hungry. Leave impressed.
Pasco
Polk Hillsborough Pinellas
#3 THE CHEF’S TABLE: YOUR CHOICE, YOUR NIGHT Six guests. Four courses. Perfectly paired wines. Enjoy an exclusive chef-driven dinner at your choice of Forbici, Union New American, or Boulon Brasserie.
#4 PRIME TIME AT OCEAN PRIME Go big with dinner and wine pairings for eight at Ocean Prime. Steak, seafood, exceptional wine and a table full of friends. This is a night worth raising your paddle for.
Award-winning restauranteur. Community pantry volunteer. Leading donor. A life well planned can offer each of us – any of us –
THE POWER TO GIVE.
The causes that inspire you are as unique as the life you lead. We all live and give differently, but the support of the right financial partner has the power to multiply generosity. It’s our privilege to help people make an impact – and to make our own. RAYMONDJAMES.COM/GIVINGBACK Raymond James is proud to give back to the communities in which we live and work by supporting Metropolitan Ministries.
© 2025 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 24-CR-0500 KF/JD/KS 1/25
#5 TRAVEL AMORE: CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE Where will four of you escape to? Choose from Lisbon, Ireland, Iceland, Tuscany, or Costa del Sol and enjoy an incredible six-night getaway.
PROUD TO SPONSOR
Metropolitan Ministries TAMPA BAY FOOD FIGHT benefiting the Hunger Relief Network.
PREMIUM
RAFFLES ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Item #101
ONE YEAR OF DATE NIGHTS
Enjoy 12 memorable nights out, one for each month of the year. From dinner at Little Lamb Gastropub and vibrant evenings at 7th + Grove to handcrafted cocktails at Pluma Lounge and dessert at Toffee to Go, this package is filled with unforgettable experiences to last all year long.
Item #102
PARTY LIKE A PIRATE
Command your own pirate ship with a private two-hour charter aboard the Lost Pearl. Cruise Tampa Bay, watch for the legendary Jose Gasparilla, and enjoy the company of dolphins. Gather your crew of up to 100 guests, raise the sails, and create an unforgettable adventure on the high seas! (Note: food and beverages not included)
Item #103
AN ICONIC EVENING AT BERN’S
An unforgettable night at one of Tampa’s most celebrated dining destinations. Begin with an exquisite five-course culinary experience. Exceptional cuisine, world-class wine collection, and impeccable service. Complete the evening with a decadent dessert experience in the intimate and iconic Harry Waugh Dessert Room.
1 FOR $50 OR 5 FOR $100 Item #104
TAMPA BAY MEETS TOKYO
Savor the flavors of Japan with a 2-stop dining experience featuring Maru and O-Ku. From artfully crafted sushi and fresh sashimi to creative Japanese-inspired dishes and cocktails, enjoy two standout Tampa Bay dining destinations in one delicious package. Two restaurants. Two experiences. One unforgettable taste of Japan.
Item #105 NOBLE DINNER FOR 8
Enjoy a taste of local Italian favorites. From handcrafted Italian-inspired dishes to elevated tavern classics, this experience is perfect for food lovers looking to enjoy exceptional dining close to home. Choose a Tampa Bay classic like Noble Crust or experience their new concept located in the heart of St. Pete, Noble Tavern.
Item #106
BUCCANEERS GAME DAY VIP EXPERIENCE
Take Bucs Game Day to the Field! 4 Buccaneers Game Tickets, 4 Exclusive Post-Game Field Passes, 1 Parking Pass, 1 Autographed Baker Mayfield Football. PLUS choose your game! Sept. 27 vs. Vikings, or Oct. 18 vs. Steelers, or Nov. 1 vs. Falcons, or Dec. 6 vs. Chargers. FIRE THE CANNONS!
P R O U D S U P P O R T E R O F T H E TA M PA B AY F O O D F I G H T
The fight against hunger starts at home. Since 2021, Mosaic has invested more than $1.6 million with partners feeding families across Tampa Bay — including Metropolitan Ministries, right here in Hillsborough County.
We’re tackling the world’s toughest health challenges
At Johnson & Johnson, we innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Honoring Metropolitan Ministries in their mission to help the homeless and those at risk in the greater Tampa area. Visit JNJ.com.
Metropolitan Ministries Hunger Relief Network • Ensures that no family, senior, or individual in need goes hungry • Last year, the Hunger Relief Network provided over 2.75 million meals through our food pantries, meal site partners, and the Holiday Tent Assistance program • Supports 60+ meal site partners serving hot meals across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties – and expansion to meet the growing need • Distribution partners include faith communities, civic groups, agencies, and nonprofits • Currently serve 75,000 hot meals every month between meal sites and Metro campuses
SERVING Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
TEAM
TAMPA
TEAM CAPTAIN
JACOB RIOS Next Level Brands
TARO LARREA The Sapphire Tampa
PARTICIPATING
DIMUTH MUNASINGHA Meat Market
RESTAURANTS
FELICIA LACALLE Quiote Tequilaria
FERNANDO SANCHEZ Noble Crust
JOHN CAPPONI Capponi Culinary
STEVEN GIBOYEAUX The Sapphire Tampa
TAMPA & ST. PETE CRAFT COCKTAILS
TEAM
ST. PETE
TEAM CAPTAIN
TIM LENTSCH Juno & The Peacock
NICK OCANDO Allelo
PARTICIPATING
RESTAURANTS
MORGAN FIGGS Allelo
JON WALKER The Tides Market
CHRIS ARTRIP Black Pearl Dunedin
CODY WILHITE Brick & Mortar
CARLOS MARTINEZ Juno & The Peacock
TAMPA & ST. PETE DESSERT DECK
FOLLOW LIKE &
SHARE
YOUR VOTE. YOUR CHOICE. YOUR WINNER. SCAN HERE TO VOTE FOR THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Proud to support the Hunger Relief Network
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Thank You For all you do to support the well being of the Tampa Bay Community.
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1-877-352-5830 | FloridaBlue.com
Florida Blue is a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 126710 092
ZA’NAUTICA CLARK Za’Nautica and her two children fled a domestic violence situation and came to Metro looking for a fresh start and stability. Since coming to Metro, Za’Nautica has completely transformed her life. She earned her GED last year, graduated from our Culinary Arts Program this year, and was selected to give the class speech at graduation. Today, she works full time in the Metropolitan Ministries kitchen as a cook.
Thank You For all you do to support the well being of the Tampa Bay Community
LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT. ITBcatering.org
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Great Finds. Greater Purpose. Bloom Again Thrift Store turns donated treasures into life-changing support for local families. Every purchase and donation helps fund essential programs that provide hope, dignity, and a path toward self-sufficiency. SHOP. DONATE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS
MARKETING AND MEDIA
IN-KIND
IN MEMORIAM
CHAD JOHNSON Executive Chef and Beloved Member of the Bern’s Family
Our Mission
Metropolitan Ministries mission is to care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and instill self-sufficiency...as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
Metropolitan Ministries will be America’s most effective caregiver to poor and homeless people. Our programs will be known for their compassion and innovation in helping struggling families and individuals achieve their highest potential for self-sufficiency. Our approach to involving citizens in understanding and caring for their disadvantaged neighbors will serve as a replicable model. Our caregiving will be supported by an exemplary staff, high-quality facilities, dedicated volunteers, donors and collaborative partners. Above all, our witness will be to the power of love in healing broken lives and building strong, caring communities.
Turn tonight into lasting impact The Food Fight may end tonight, but the fight against hunger and homelessness continues every day. There are many ways to engage with Metropolitan Ministries: VOLUNTEER Give your time and talents to help serve individuals and families across Tampa Bay. HOST A DRIVE Bring your company, school, church, or community together to collect food, hygiene, holiday items, and other urgently needed essentials. JOIN OUR HOPE FORCE Create lasting impact through a monthly gift that provides dependable support for families all year long. BECOME A PARTNER Put your organization’s resources, reach, and expertise to work for our community. Partner with us through corporate giving and sponsorships, cause-marketing, media partnerships, employee engagement, or service delivery to create meaningful impact for families across Tampa Bay. DONATE ONLINE Make a gift anytime and help provide food, shelter, housing assistance, and other critical services to neighbors in need. GET INVOLVED: Visit metromin.org to volunteer, give, host a drive, partner, or learn more.
EAT. DRINK. FIGHT HUNGER.