All of the net proceeds from Taste of the Nation Atlanta help fund the development and eventual implementation of Share Our Strength's strategy to end childhood hunger and its surrounding communities along with the continued support of organizations, such as the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline and Genesis, A New Life.

"We were very pleased to raise so much money with the support of our sponsors and guests, especially in a time when families and children have an even greater need for food assistance," said Allison Palestrini, incoming Atlanta Director of Share Our Strength.

Highlights of the live auction included a fabulous in-home chef dinner hosted by Ted Turner and George McKerrow at Ted Turner's penthouse that was sold for $21,000. This gourmet five-course meal for ten with wine pairings features courses by Chefs Pano Karatassos (Kyma), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Ian Winslade (Buckhead Bottle Bar), Gary Donlick (Bistro Niko), Piero Premoli (Pricci) and Jonathan St. Hilaire (Concentrics' Bakeshop). Honorary Chef Dean Fearing was so moved during the event's auction that he joined the stage and offered to fly in for the Ted Turner auction winner when the dinner is hosted. These talented chefs will use locally grown produce, artisanal products and boutique meats to come together for an unforgettable meal.

Pano Karatassos, founder of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, started the Taste of the Nation Atlanta event in 1988 and has chaired the event each year since. He was joined this year by George McKerrow, President/CEO of Ted's Montana Grill. Dean Fearing, chef/partner Fearing's at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, served as National Honorary Chef. Fearing's Restaurant was named "Restaurant of the Year" and "Table of the Year" by Esquire Magazine in 2007 and was named No. 1 in "Hotel Dining in the U.S." by Zagat in 2009. Actress and fitness icon Jane Fonda served as honorary chairperson.

Applauded as the first-ever culinary benefit in the nation and a model for successful fundraisers throughout the country, Taste of the Nation Atlanta is one of nearly 40 events hosted throughout the United States and Canada. The Atlanta event has raised nearly $7 million since its inception and for the last decade it has been the country's top fundraising city.

"An end to childhood hunger in the United States is within reach," said Bill Shore, Founder and Executive Director of Share Our Strength. "With all the participants in Taste of the Nation Atlanta sharing their strengths, we are creating more resources for the greater good of Atlanta and our great nation."

Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman Corporation, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water and Stella Artois. One hundred percent of ticket sales help ensure no kid grows up hungry.

About Taste of the Nation

Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation® is the nation's premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid grows up hungry. Each spring and summer, the nation's hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water and Stella Artois. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $73 million. Funds raised in 2009 supported 135 organizations in the United States, Canada and abroad. To purchase tickets or to get involved, visit TasteOfTheNation.org

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry? campaign?a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015?Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs, invests in community organizations fighting hunger, teaches families how to cook healthy meals on a budget, and builds public-private partnerships to end hunger, both nationally and at the state level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved in the No Kid Hungry campaign.