The African Philosophy of Ubuntu.

Taste for equity

2023 GALA

Nov 17, 2023

AVENUE, 631 NE Grand Ave

So you have a TASTE for Equity?

So do we!!

The TASTE Gala offers fellowship, inspiration and a curated lineup of Oregon’s rich and diverse food, wine, music and equity heroes. 

While the event raises money for local social purpose organizations, we turn the usual nonprofit benefit on its head with no auctions and no paddle raise. Instead, we have a party with a purpose and the people you want to be with!

To fund it, we have sponsors and we sell tickets, which go on sale to the public in September.

event details

DATE: Friday, November 17, 2023

TIME: 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Reception 5:30-7:15, Gala Dinner 7:15-8:45, Dessert & Dance Party, 8:45pm - 10:30)

LOCATION: AVENUE on Grand, 631 NE Grand Avenue, Portland Oregon

EATS & DRINKS: We feature 10 BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ chefs and wineries and offer a full, no-host bar. For our vegan and vegetarian guests, a robust menu will be available this year!

BENEFITTING: APANO, Kairos PDX, Latino Network, and Seeding Justice.

HONORING: Three local justice and equity heroes.

ATTIRE for the event is "look your best." We encourage/allow for all expressions of style but ask that people consider it a first-class event and dress fab, dope, chic, bangin’, stylish, on point, or whatever expression you use for looking and feeling great!

PARKING: AVENUE is located in Portland’s Lloyd Event District. We encourage you to travel via ride share so you can fully enjoy the libations we offer.

We have limited complimentary parking reserved for TASTE guests in the closest garage at 670 NE Irving Street on a first come, first served basis. View and download the other parking and transportation options map. 

GUEST CHECK-IN: There are no physical tickets to print or show us when you check in. Bring the registration code you received by email (from sender: ticket@paybee.io) for Once you arrive, check in at the registration table to receive your table number and then join the party.

ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible parking for AVENUE can be found in the public parking garage on Irving Street. A paved path (no stairs) will lead up to the main entrance of the venue and once inside, the event space and restrooms are all located on the first floor and fully accessible. Please let us know if you have additional accessibility needs. 

FAQS: Answers to other frequently asked questions are available here.

Gala Guests will be treated to…

“Tastes of TASTE” Reception, with:

  • Bites prepared especially for guests by 6 featured chefs

  • A fine wine paired with each bite + tastings by 10 featured wineries (2-3 varietals each)

  • Specialty cocktails

  • Live music

family-style meal with:

  • A five-course meal prepared by Lead Chef Carlo Lamagna and two additional featured chefs

  • Fine wine pairing with each course and additional wine and cocktails available.

  • An inspiring 15-minute program

  • Live music

  • Time to connect with friends you brought and friends you’ll meet

Dessert & Dance Party, with:

  • A rich selection of desserts by two featured chefs

  • Dancing to tunes spun by a professional DJ

Plus, you’ll get:

  • Access to our wine pop-up shop for purchasing Gala-featured bottles

  • A map of the featured BIPOC and LGBTQ+ wineries so you can visit them on your own

  • A curated list of outstanding beneficiary organizations to support

Simply put, the TASTE Gala offers an elevated food and wine experience and the feeling of being among friends and loved ones that expect and bring out the best in us.