"They tried to bury us,
but they didn’t know we were seeds."
- Dinos Christianopoulos, LGBTQ+ Greek Poet
The TASTE Gala offers connection, inspiration and a curated lineup of Oregon’s rich and diverse food, wine, artists 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!
>> Check out our 2025 Sponsors here
>> Join us and invest in TASTE
Ticket go on sale in early September 2025.
I am a Florida girl so much of thought processes around menu building are influenced by my early exposures to the melting pot of cuisines popular in South Florida.
I'm also someone who loves new, elevated experiences. The intertwining of these new experiences and my upbringing create a very fun space for food creation and I think, an awesome, unique experience for folks who eat my food.
Chef Alexa
I grew up on the Yakama Reservation in Toppenish, WA, and I've always loved to cook. I found it brought me peace and understanding. My grandmother Stella Washines taught me how to make frybread and stews.
At Javelina's, our focus is eating as Indigenous people would eat (no gluten, no dairy, no cane sugar), while also paying respect to the past, present and future of Indigenous cuisine with frybread, stews, soups, and other foods that were often eaten on the reservations.
Chef Diego
Cooking has always been in my family since I remember from a very early age, from helping out my abuela at family diners to different food businesses owned by my grandpa.
I serve authentic Mexico City Street Food (the kind of food your grandma would cook if you grew up in CDMX).
Chef Damala - Dessert Chef
The inspiration behind starting DB Desserts was Family. As the mother to 3 boys, my life desire has been to always show them a positive way of life and how to follow their dreams.
Our dessert company is a family-run operation with the hopes of starting a program to teach young people about the baking industry and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to positively impact the community and provide outstanding desserts.
Gala 2025 EVENT DETAILS
Date
Friday, November 21, 2025
5:00pm – 11:00pm
Reception 5pm -7pm
Gala Dinner 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Dessert & Dance Party 9pm - 11pm
Location
Portland Oregon
EATS & DRINKS
We feature BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ chefs and winemakers and have worked with them to ensure we have a diversity of offerings for dietary needs. The menu items are listed in the print program available on site with allergens and indications of vegetarian and vegan options. If you have any dietary needs and are uncertain, your server can assist you.
In addition to our wine pairings we will have a no-host bar available for cocktails and other beverages.
BENEFITTING
Adelante Mujeres, APANO, and ELSO, Inc.
HONORING
Three local justice and equity heroes, nominated by the public and selected through a panel of community leaders.
Gala Guests will be treated to…
“Tastes of TASTE” Reception, with:
Bites, prepared especially for guests by our featured chefs
A selection of fine wines by our featured winemakers
Music and entertainment
family-style meal with:
A multi-course meal prepared by Lead Dinner Chefs Kiara, Alexa, and Diego, and Dessert Chef Damala
Addition fine wines from our featured wineries
An inspiring program
Live entertainment
Time to connect with friends you brought and friends you’ll meet
Dance Party, with:
Dancing to tunes spun by a professional DJ
Additional wine, cocktails, and munchies
Plus, you’ll get:
A boost of energy and “family” connections in your commitment to equity and justice.
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 who help us create the tide of change.
Tickets go on sale in early September.
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FROM TASTE FOR EQUITY!