SEARCH Foundation Hits Giving Records

The SEARCH Foundation has hit a remarkable milestone. The 26-year-old organization that assists meeting, event, and catering professionals during times of crisis has now distributed over $1 million to industry colleagues in need.

The SEARCH Foundation's Annual Signature Event was held March 29th at Canvas. Shown (from left to right), the SEARCH Foundation 2023 Board of Directors: Stephanie Jayko, Bobby Dutton, Frank Puleo, Thomas Weylan, Kate Patay (chairwoman), India Rhodes, JC York, and Michele Polci. Not shown: Joann Roth-Oseary, David Lombardo, Patrick McMichael, Rick Turner, Jolie Oree-Bailey)

Kate Patay, CPCE, current chairwoman for the foundation (and this year's Richard Carbotti Volunteerism Award recipient), announced that news on Global Meetings Industry Day at the Catersource + The Special Event ACE, Gala, and CATIE awards celebration in Orlando. She also revealed the 501c3 organization had raised $100,000 to help refill its coffers at its fundraiser the previous evening. *Editor's note: Wednesday, March 29th was the yearly SEARCH Foundation Annual Signature Event at Catersource + The Special Event.

Thuy Diep designed the Dreamscape Inspired Food Stations for the SEARCH Foundation's Annual Signature Event.

Not surprisingly, 2022 was a record year in terms of the number of people the SEARCH Foundation supported. It helped more than 40 families and individuals with distributions of $199,000. 
Here's a quick look back at the SEARCH Foundation's Annual Signature Event. 

All photos courtesy Christie’s Photography

Thuy Diep designed the Dreamscape Inspired Food Stations for the SEARCH Foundation's Annual Signature Event.

Delightful bites for the VIP hour were provided by Puff 'n Stuff Events & Catering

CORT Events (one of the event's sponsors) enjoy some time in their VIP Booth.

During the event. it was announced that the SEARCH Foundation has been able to disbribute a total of $1 million Shown (from left to right): Lenny Talarico, Steve Kemble, Corinne Dudine, Michael Cerbelli, Jaclyn Bernstein, Joann Roth-Oseary, and Kate Patay.

The Larry Green Grant (which was announced during the event) has helped fund dozens of applicants following the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

Sponsorship teamwork: Signature cocktails compliments were provided by Levee Liquor, curated by Puff 'n Stuff Events & Catering, and served by Qwick staffing. 

The VIP menu offered miniature gougères with everything spice, creme fraiche, and hackleback caviar. Photo courtesy Christie's Photographic Solutions

On brand with the space theme, this costumed server served shimmery "galaxy truffles" on a hawker tray. Photo courtesy Christie's Photographic Solutions

See more from this year's Catersource + Special Event in the summer issue of Catersource magazine!