Can't-miss networking and fundraising event for organic research is set for March

Shannon Allen will serve as the keynote speaker at The Organic Center's 16th Annual Benefit Dinner in Anaheim on March 6, 2019. Shannon launched an organic fast food restaurant, grown™, in 2016 with her husband, 10x NBA All-Star and 2x NBA Champion Ray Allen.

Throughout her husband's 18-year NBA career, Shannon made sure that Ray ate the healthiest foods to help him maintain his edge and stay in peak physical condition. When their middle son, Walker, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, preparing the cleanest and most nutritional food for her entire family became Shannon's top priority.

Shannon is the creator of grown™ – the first 100% certified organic fast food restaurant with a drive-thru on the East Coast – and she will be sharing her story with benefit dinner attendees in March.

"We are delighted to have Shannon as our keynote, and anticipate that this will be an inspiring program for everyone lucky enough to have a seat in the room," says Dr. Jessica Shade, Director of Science Programs at The Organic Center.

The dinner is the single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center. It brings together hundreds of organic visionaries, activists, and businesses to enjoy an all-organic feast and spotlight the latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic food and farming.

Shannon lives in Miami with her husband and their five children. She created grown™ after searching unsuccessfully for an on-the-go, organic, nutrient-dense meal for her children, including Walker for whom the need to eat healthy is critical. Her concept evolved in part from her television show, The Pre-Game Meal, inspired by years of preparing optimal game day meals for her husband.

"The Organic Center is the leading voice in the most important discussion of our time," Shannon said. "Our collective wellbeing– our children's health and wellness and the future of our planet's ability to thrive – is grounded in our commitment to supporting organic farming, and organic certified products and concepts. Every time we sit down to a meal we have the opportunity to fuel our bodies and nourish our families with organically grown, nutrient dense foods that sustain us and the Earth. I'm honored to be on this journey to change the world one organic certified fast food meal at a time and I'm grateful to lend my voice to The Organic Center's annual event."

The flagship grown™ location opened two years ago on a busy stretch of highway in South Florida. The concept has expanded to six operations, including one at Wesleyan University, three non-traditional locations in sports arenas, and a location inside a Walmart Supercenter in Orlando. grown™ is widely recognized as a market disrupter for providing convenience and stretching the perceptions associated with traditional fast food options. The locations provide freshly prepared, nutrient-dense breakfast, lunch and dinner menus made from scratch using strictly 100% certified organic ingredients.

Host Committee Announced

The Organic Center's Annual Benefit dinner, besides being the premier fundraiser for The Center, is the largest business networking dinner at the Natural Products Expo West trade show. Working behind the scenes to raise funds, develop the evening's program and ensure a successful and inspiring event is the Host Committee, which is already preparing for the celebration.

Serving on the Host Committee with Chair Melissa Hughes of Organic Valley is Melody Meyer of Source Organic, Industry Co-chair; along with other Board of Trustee members—Bob Kaake of Annie's Inc.; Laura Batcha of the Organic Trade Association; and Todd Linsky, Chair of The Organic Center Board.

"The Organic Center's fundraiser is always an inspiring and special evening, and Shannon's participation will help promote the research and consumer education on organic being done by The Center," says Dr. Shade. "The Organic Center's work empowers farmers and consumers to make well-educated decisions based on sound research, but it doesn't happen without the support of many."

The 2018 gala drew more than 500 organic visionaries and stakeholders, and raised over $450,000 to help advance the projects of the non-profit research and education organization. The goal for the 2019 event is to raise $500,000.

Contact The Organic Center for information on event sponsorship or donations.