For its 42nd gala, Taste of the South has chosen to support 14 charities focused on improving early childhood literacy. These organizations each offer a wide range of programming, ranging from one-on-one mentoring to book distribution packages—all with one goal in common: building confidence among young readers. Each of these organizations is committed to meeting children where they are, and together are working to ensure a brighter future for our next generation.

2025 Feature Charity

Book Harvest

Since 2011, Book Harvest has provided over two million children’s books to families in North Carolina, ensuring that parents have the tools and power to ignite and strengthen their children’s literacy. With programs that are grounded in evidence, Book Harvest believes that literacy starts at birth, in the home, powered by parents, and nourished with books.

2025 D.C. Charity

Everybody Wins D.C.

For almost 30 years, Everybody Wins D.C. has used books to help children build the literacy and social-emotional skills needed to thrive in the classroom and in life. Through one-on-one mentoring, read-aloud events, and free book distributions, our students become stronger readers, enthusiastic learners, and confident individuals. But that’s not all. Our programs connect volunteers with their communities, provide schools with supplemental support, and promote empathy, understanding, and inclusion. When children read, everybody wins.  

INSPIRING GENEROSITY

Home Grown Charities

"Taste of the South was a difference maker for our organization and our local community. We are a small agency doing big things - and this fundraiser gave us room to do more of it! With the funds we received, we we were able to end homelessness for 57 households (including families with children) by placing them into housing.”
SELI PERRY, Mercy House, Taste of the South 2013 Feature Charity
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“If we should deal out justice only, in this world, who would escape? No, it is better to be generous, and in the end more profitable, for it gains gratitude for us, and love.”
Mark Twain Make a Difference