During the inaugural “Brunch After Dark” foodie event at Typhoon Texas on February 28, Katy Taste Fest founder Cyril Thomas presented ceremonial checks to seven Katy-area nonprofits. The donations, totaling over $14,500.00, were funded by 100 per cent of the net profits from the 2024 Katy Taste Fest, Thomas said.

Recipients were:

· The Ballard House, $5,000.00

· Lunches of Love, $3,500.00

· Katy Christian Ministries, $2,500.00

· The Arc of Katy, $2,500.00

· Upbring (formerly Krause), $1,500.00

· St. Jerome Foster Children program, $1,000.00

· Katy Cares, $1,000.00

Tina Hatcher of Hope Impacts and Melinda Stephenson of Clothed by Faith also spoke to the crowd about their nonprofit programs.

Katy Taste Fest followed on March 1 at Typhoon Texas, offering tastings from more than 30 area restaurants. The culinary experience started in 2015, Thomas said.