Gallo takes on hunger with Super Bowl event

Once again, E.&J. Gallo Winery will raise money for anti-hunger efforts through a gala on the night before the Super Bowl. And this time, it’s close to its Modesto home.

The company will provide the wines for the 25th annual Party with a Purpose, set for Feb. 6 at the Cow Palace, just south of San Francisco. Noted chefs from all 32 pro football cities will prepare dishes that pair with the drinks for about 3,000 diners paying $700 each.

The next day and about 30 miles to the south, the NFL championship will be decided at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, home to the 49ers.

It will be the 50th anniversary for the Super Bowl and the 25th year for Party with a Purpose, part of the Taste of the NFL program. Gallo has taken part since 1995 and, for the past 12 years, has also raised money through by-the-glass wine sales at restaurants over three months. This portion ends Monday.

“Our family and our winery have been deeply committed to combating hunger for many years,” said Gina Gallo, a third-generation winemaker, in an email to The Modesto Bee. “When we first became aware of the incredible efforts of the Taste of the NFL, we knew we wanted to partner with them in the fight against hunger.”

Gallo serves on the board of Taste of the NFL, which has helped food banks provide more than 176 million meals to people in need since 1992.

“Taste of the NFL is so fortunate to have such wonderful, long-term partners in Gina Gallo and the Gallo family, as we work together to provide families across the country with two essential things – food and hope,” program founder Wayne Kostroski said in a news release.

This will be only the second Super Bowl played in the Bay Area. The first was in 1985 at Stanford Stadium, won by the Niners.

The Cow Palace, located in Daly City, hosts rodeos, horse shows, circuses, boat shows and other events. The Golden State Warriors played there before moving to Oakland.

Gina Gallo said the winery is up to the challenge of pairing its wines with the various cuisines in the NFL cities.

“We have 32 renowned and very competitive chefs – each donating their time, talent and food – bringing their best dishes to represent their city, their team and their unique food philosophy,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what they do this year.”

This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Gallo takes on hunger with Super Bowl event."