The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in gearing up for its blockbuster Taste of the Finest fundraiser, toasted the event's 2016 honorees at a gathering June 23 at the home of Missy and Steve Wortman on Valley Crest Court.
The Wortmans did not attend, but their son, Justin Wortman, tended to the needs of thirsty honorees, their dates, sponsors and other CFF supporters. Honorees in attendance were Jake Eddington, Kristy Fleming, John Mark Goings, Julie Harrelson, Ashlee Holmes, Mason Miller, Zach Steed, Graham Talley, Brian Welbourn and Jessie Wilson.
Taste of the Finest co-chairmen Bryan Spriggs and Brittany Goings Marsh were also there, along with the event's 2017 chairman, Deanna Jones.
"We're expecting about 600 people," Jones said. "The decor is going to be phenomenal."
Taste honorees are nominated by the public and then approved by a CFF committee. The Class of 2016, 28 in all, will spend the summer advocating for the work of the foundation and raising money in advance of Taste of the Finest, scheduled for Aug. 19 at the Statehouse Convention Center.
Amanda Hodge, foundation development manager, said the honorees have already raised some $52,000, with more than a month left in the campaign. Each honoree sets his fundraising goal. Hodge said the foundation is shooting for $71,000 in donations. Pledges will go toward cystic fibrosis research and patient care. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disorder affecting the exocrine glands. The effects are lifelong and require specialized care.
-- Story and photos by Cyd King
High Profile on 07/03/2016