The “Taste of the Draft” event Wednesday night in Pittsburgh combined food, football and philanthropy, offering attendees a chance to enjoy local cuisine while raising money to fight childhood hunger. Former Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie shared advice for players who could be drafted into the NFL. “Number one, it’s work and it’s perseverance. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to go far, so you’ve got to enjoy the labor and the process of getting better and all that. It’s all peaks and valleys. Stay resilient, keep fighting through it,” Flutie said. Flutie also reflected on his career and discussed the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, which empowers people with autism. He hinted at the possible return of his iconic cereal, Flutie Flakes. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reporter Chandi Chapman asked, “Will the Flutie Flakes make another comeback again?””I think they are going to,” Flutie said. NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draftThe event at The Tower at PNC Plaza featured a variety of dishes, including Primanti Bros. sandwiches, cookie tables and chef-inspired creations, while raising funds to benefit GENYOUth, a nonprofit organization. “The taste of the draft is really a culinary and gridiron extravaganza. We are celebrating the food and football here in Pittsburgh, but most importantly, it’s about philanthropy, and all the net proceeds generated here at Taste of the Draft are going to help increase access to healthy school meals for children in need in 91 schools in Western Pennsylvania,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. Former Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hoke expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the cause. “To be able to come here and be part of the Taste of the Draft and highlight what GENYOUth is doing for children,” Hoke said. The event also included appearances by Steelers mascot Steely McBeam and former Steelers players Maurkice Pouncey and Willie Parker, who signed autographs and shared advice for younger players. “It’s just good to be back around the younger guys to show them the NFL is a brotherhood,” Pouncey said. “Just keep striving. No matter if you get drafted in the first round or you get a free agent deal, just keep moving,” Parker said. Proceeds from the event will help provide healthy school meals for children in need across 91 schools in western Pennsylvania.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

The “Taste of the Draft” event Wednesday night in Pittsburgh combined food, football and philanthropy, offering attendees a chance to enjoy local cuisine while raising money to fight childhood hunger.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie shared advice for players who could be drafted into the NFL.

“Number one, it’s work and it’s perseverance. If you don’t enjoy it, you’re not going to go far, so you’ve got to enjoy the labor and the process of getting better and all that. It’s all peaks and valleys. Stay resilient, keep fighting through it,” Flutie said.

Flutie also reflected on his career and discussed the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, which empowers people with autism. He hinted at the possible return of his iconic cereal, Flutie Flakes.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reporter Chandi Chapman asked, “Will the Flutie Flakes make another comeback again?”

“I think they are going to,” Flutie said.

NFL Draft in Pittsburgh >> Visit our special draft page for latest headlines and what you need to know about the draft

The event at The Tower at PNC Plaza featured a variety of dishes, including Primanti Bros. sandwiches, cookie tables and chef-inspired creations, while raising funds to benefit GENYOUth, a nonprofit organization.

“The taste of the draft is really a culinary and gridiron extravaganza. We are celebrating the food and football here in Pittsburgh, but most importantly, it’s about philanthropy, and all the net proceeds generated here at Taste of the Draft are going to help increase access to healthy school meals for children in need in 91 schools in Western Pennsylvania,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hoke expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the cause.

“To be able to come here and be part of the Taste of the Draft and highlight what GENYOUth is doing for children,” Hoke said.

The event also included appearances by Steelers mascot Steely McBeam and former Steelers players Maurkice Pouncey and Willie Parker, who signed autographs and shared advice for younger players.

“It’s just good to be back around the younger guys to show them the NFL is a brotherhood,” Pouncey said.

“Just keep striving. No matter if you get drafted in the first round or you get a free agent deal, just keep moving,” Parker said.

Proceeds from the event will help provide healthy school meals for children in need across 91 schools in western Pennsylvania.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.