Occasions Caterers marks 25 years with Taste of the South

Occasions Caterers is celebrating 25 years as the exclusive catering partner for Taste of the South’s Annual Gala in Washington, D.C. The milestone underscores a long-running philanthropic event that raises funds for Southern charities and, in 2026, supports STEM education and workforce development.

Why it matters: - The 25-year partnership links a major Washington, D.C. culinary event with consistent event production and hospitality support. - Taste of the South raises more than half a million dollars a year for charities in the Southern region. - The 2026 beneficiaries focus on STEM education, workforce development, hands-on learning, career development and technology access. - Occasions Caterers is also marking its 40th anniversary this year, adding another company milestone to the partnership.

What happened: - Occasions Caterers celebrated 25 years as the exclusive catering partner for Taste of the South’s Annual Gala. - The announcement was made in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2026. - Taste of the South has been bringing together chefs, restaurants and supporters since the 1980s. - The event welcomes about 3,000 guests each year.

The details: - Over the past 25 years, Occasions has helped create events for thousands of attendees. - Each gala requires coordination of more than 20 food vendors. - Taste of the South represents Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. - Since 1983, the event has raised funds for local Southern charities while showcasing Southern-inspired cuisine. - Occasions Caterers was founded in 1986 and serves the Washington metropolitan area. - The company joined Compass Group and Restaurant Associates in 2018. - More information is available in the original release.

Between the lines: - The partnership shows how a recurring philanthropic gala can depend on long-term operational continuity, not just one-night service. - The event’s scale suggests that vendor coordination and planning are central to its success. - The dual anniversaries point to a durable relationship between a local caterer and a regional charity platform.

What's next: - Occasions Caterers says it expects to continue the partnership for decades to come. - Taste of the South will keep using its annual gala to support Southern charities and highlight regional cuisine. - The 2026 fundraising cycle will continue to center on education and workforce-related causes.