Skip the party, feed a family: Gift for Life’s “Non-Event” returns to High Point Market
HIGH POINT —Gift for Life will host its second bi-annual Home vs Hunger “Non-Event” Event during High Point Market, April 25-29, offering attendees a simple, industrywide call to action: Skip a market party and donate the cost to help feed those in need.
Building on the success of last fall’s debut “Non-Event” Event, the initiative once again partners with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to turn everyday market spending into meaningful impact. The concept is intentionally straightforward: rather than adding another event to an already packed schedule, participants are encouraged to redirect what they might spend on a cocktail, rideshare or dinner toward hunger relief.
“During one of the busiest weeks of our year, it’s easy to stay focused on business alone,” said Russ Jones, Gift for Life Board Member and Home vs. Hunger Event Chair. “The ‘Non-Event’ event is a reminder that we can also show up for humanity. Without adding another obligation, it gives everyone a way to turn compassion into action—and that’s where real impact begins.”
The cost of a single drink at a market bar can be redirected to help feed families in crisis, reinforcing how even modest contributions can scale into significant impact. With just $5, World Central Kitchen can provide a home-cooked meal for an entire family.
How it works:
Participants can donate online at giftforlife.org throughout High Point Market. Supporters are also encouraged to share their participation on social channels, raising a glass, skipping an event or simply spreading the word, to amplify visibility and engagement across the industry.
The Home vs Hunger initiative, launched in 2022, has raised more than $112,000 to date through a combination of in-person events and digital campaigns. The “Non-Event” event format, introduced in 2025, reflects an evolution in how Gift for Life engages the industry, meeting attendees where they are while removing traditional barriers to participation.
Funds raised directly support World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés, which provides fresh meals to communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises and food insecurity worldwide. With a proven rapid response model and a focus on locally driven solutions, WCK has served hundreds of millions of meals globally.
Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger campaign continues to unify the gift and home industry around a shared purpose—leveraging market moments not only for commerce, but for collective impact.
