Since 2011, the United Way of Southeast Georgia has proudly hosted Tasting Statesboro, bringing the community together to raise awareness and critical funding for local nonprofit agencies. As our signature community event, it's a night where flavor and philanthropy meet.
WHAT IS TASTING STATESBORO?
As one of our annual Signature Events, guests enjoy an evening filled with live music and an incredible variety of flavors — sampling everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts, coffee, specialty drinks, and other creative bites from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, cafés, bakeries, caterers, and eateries. From Southern staples and international cuisine to sweet treats and unique specialties, vendors are encouraged to showcase anything that highlights their business and flavor.
The best part? All proceeds directly benefit all of our partner agencies.
Why It Matters
Tasting Statesboro... the United Way's leading signature community event that supports our annual campaign. The critical funding raised this evening directly supports our vital partner agencies, ensuring that local nonprofit organizations have the resources they need to serve individuals and families throughout our area.
Understanding the Need
Local nonprofit agencies and community programs face an ongoing, pressing need for sustainable funding to keep their doors open and their services accessible to those who need them most. Raising these vital funds within our area is essential to strengthening our community's safety net and improving lives locally.
Tasting Statesboro directly answers this need by turning a celebration of our area's culinary talent into a powerful fundraising engine. Thanks to local restaurants, eateries, private labels, and coffee shops donating their resources—alongside corporate sponsorships and generous volunteers—we are able to keep event overhead exceptionally low. This ensures that every ticket purchased and every dollar raised goes directly toward bridging the funding gap for our agencies.
This collective effort creates a massive local benefit, leading directly to the incredible outcomes we achieve together.
Our Impact
Thanks to the incredible support of event sponsors, vendors, and guests, our community continues to show up in a massive way:
- Over $250,000 Raised To Date: Since 2011, this signature event has raised thousands of dollars to support the United Way of Southeast Georgia, its agencies, and most of all – our community.
- $59,000+ Raised in 2025: A phenomenal single-year total to support area nonprofits and community programs.
- 60+ Business Sponsors: More than 60 local businesses stepped up to champion the cause in 2026.
- 37 Food & Beverage Vendors: Thirty-seven local culinary partners participated and donated their talents.
- 500+ Connected Guests: Over 500 attendees joined us to taste, mingle, and make a lasting difference.
Who Powers Tasting Statesboro
While Tasting Statesboro is a culinary experience celebrating our area's incredible flavors, its impact is fueled by a much broader community. Our corporate sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and guests come together from all walks of life—united by a shared belief in our mission. Because when it comes to supporting our community, it takes all of us.
(A formal call for partners is announced annually in late spring.)
