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 money for Southern charities and this year supports STEM education and workforce development.

Why it matters: - The 25-year partnership ties a longtime Washington catering company to one of the region’s best-known charitable food events. - Taste of the South raises funds for Southern charities and draws about 3,000 guests each year. - The 2026 gala is focused on STEM education, workforce development, hands-on learning and technology access.

What happened: - Occasions Caterers marked 25 years as the exclusive catering partner for Taste of the South’s Annual Gala. - The anniversary covers a partnership that has helped produce the event for a quarter century in Washington, D.C. - Occasions said the event is part of its own 40th anniversary year.

The details: - Taste of the South began in the 1980s and has brought together chefs, restaurants and supporters from across the region. - The nonprofit says it donates over half a million dollars a year to charities in the Southern region. - The states represented include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. - The gala coordinates more than 20 food vendors through the Occasions production team each year. - Occasions was founded in 1986 and serves the Washington metropolitan area as a luxury catering company. - The company joined Compass Group and Restaurant Associates in 2018. - Occasions says it combines bespoke service with the resources of a global hospitality leader. - The company’s core team includes career veterans across departments.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives Taste of the South a stable operating base for a complex annual event. - The event’s fundraising mission appears to be a major part of its appeal, alongside the food and regional showcase. - The 2026 beneficiary focus signals a broader push toward education and career pathways, not just short-term aid.

What's next: - Occasions says it expects to continue the partnership for decades to come. - Taste of the South will keep staging the annual gala as a fundraiser for Southern charities. - The next edition will continue the event’s mix of culinary programming and philanthropy.