What is A Taste for Art? 
Launched in 2008, A Taste for Art is a well-established event that draws a loyal regional audience of Delaware’s most passionate philanthropic and community leaders, many of whom are collectors. It serves as Children & Families First’s (CFF) premiere annual fundraiser, featuring local artists selling original works in a variety of mediums; high school students from Delaware’s top culinary programs serving themed small bites; and an open bar flowing with carefully curated wines, craft beers, and top-shelf liquors. Furthermore, A Taste for Art has been recognized for its excellence and has been awarded as “Event of the Year” on multiple occasions by various independent organizations.

​

Why are Culinary Stations such an important part of the event?
Each year, we ask the Head Chefs at Delaware’s top culinary programs to showcase the amazing skills and creative talents their expert guidance and nurturing has fostered in their students by hosting a Culinary Station at A Taste for Art. These stations are the most beloved feature of the event – our guests love the opportunity to hear from students about the inspiration for their menus, witness their skills at work, and learn about their career goals. 

​

How can my school participate?
Step 1: Fill out the commitment form and send it in asap!
Step 2: Submit your required paperwork - because the sooner we get it, the sooner you get your stipend!
Step 3: Create a menu to match the guidelines, theme, and budget provided and submit it for approval.
Step 4: Arrive on event day with all the students and supplies you need and be ready to hear just how amazing you are all night long from hundreds of people!

​

How many schools participate?
The event is limited to a maximum of 5 culinary stations, and all reserved on a first come, first served basis.

​

Where is the event?
A Taste for Art in an INDOOR event held at Riverfront Events, 760 Justison Street, Wilmington

​

When is the event?
Saturday, March 29th, 2025

​

What are the event hours?
6:00pm to 10:00pm (see full event day schedule below)

​

What will the event provide you?

• NEW! Bigger budget!! Each station will be given a $2000 stipend 

• NEW! Bigger stations!! Each station will have 4 banquet tables (72”x30” each) 

• NEW! Less to bring!! Each station will have disposables provided (plates, bowls, cutlery, napkins, etc.) 

• Table linens & signage with your school’s name, logo, and menu

• Power is available to those who request it – but please note, you’ll need to bring a GFCI surge protector power strip and at least one 50’ extension cord.

• Storage space for coolers, extra supplies, etc.

• Trash cans and trash removal

• Volunteer support runners throughout the event

• Promotion and advertising of your school through all event promotions

What will you need to provide?

• A completed W9 form so we can process and send your stipend!

• A Certificate of Insurance listing Children & Families First as additionally insured. 

• A menu that meet requirements (see below) - all menus must be pre-approved.

• At least one supervising instructor and enough students to staff your area for the whole event (a minimum of 3 is suggested).

• All the equipment, utensils, or otherwise that you'll need for serving, warming, cooling, and storage – there is no kitchen access before, during, or after the event.

• Full compliance with all ServSafe protocols including, but not limited to sanitizer and wipes for surfaces, gloves for hands, proper hair restraints, etc. 

• Reminder: If you request electric, you are responsible for bringing a GFCI surge protector power strip and at minimum one 50’ or longer extension cord.

• Optional & encouraged: Branded tablecloths, signage, and/or themed decorations to make your station stand out and draw attention.

• Optional & encouraged: Flyers, postcards, or other marketing materials for guests to learn more about your school, program, and students.

​

What are the menu requirements?
You and your students are encouraged to have fun with the theme, using it to show off your creativity, talents, and skills.  When planning your menu, please keep in mind that it must…

• Feed 300 guests over the course of a 4-hour time period.

• Serve only small bites/sample sizes with a focus on being easy to carry as there is no seating at this event.

• Offer at least 4 options – at least one of which must be 100% gluten-free.

  • 2 protein entrée options

  • 1 vegetarian/vegan entrée option

  • 1 dessert option

• Be unique. We don’t allow duplications between stations so get your first choice options in asap! 

• Be fully cooked before the event. On-site cooking is strictly prohibited. 

​

Event day schedules & important things to know:
3:30pm to 4:30 Culinary Station set-up 

• Load in schedules will be confirmed with you via email the week prior to the event

• Volunteers will be on-site to assist with load-in and load-out

• Please use the designated load-in door 

• After unloading, please park all vehicles in the designated parking lot

• There will be NO kitchen access prior to or during the event

• There will be NO access to any kitchen equipment

5:45pm Your station must be staffed and set-ready to serve food 

• All student chefs need to have arrived and be in place no later than 5:30pm

• Doors open to VIP guests at 6:00pm (approximately 150 individuals)

• Doors open to General Admission guests at 7:00pm (approximately 350+ individuals)

6:00pm to 10:00pm Event Hours

• You are expected to keep your station staffed, open, and serving food for the event duration.

• Encourage your students to share their passion and menu creation with guests, trust us, they want to know all about it!

• Volunteer runners will be available to help as needed to restock your station or assist the best we can with any other requests.

10:00pm to 10:45pm Event Clean-up & Breakdown

• We’ll check in with you to let you know you can start to breakdown your area

• Load-out will take place via the designated door

• You will be able to pull your vehicle up to the load-out door when advised by event staff

​

Have another question? 
Maybe even a suggestion or idea? 
We want this to be a true partnership for success! 
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any reason, at any time! 
Laura Bartus

Communications & Engagement Manager
Laura.Bartus@cffde.org