MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will host its 17th annual Taste of the Timberwolves, presented by Starkey Hearing Foundation, on Tuesday, March 6 from 6-9 p.m. at Target Center. The 2012 Taste of the Timberwolves' cornerstone sponsors include POPP Communications and Log House Foods and the event will continue to showcase some of the finest local restaurants and food vendors. Taste of the Timberwolves tips off with the traditional great fare of Taste and concludes with an exciting live auction and Timberwolves players competing against each other in an entertaining game of Family Feud.

Taste of the Timberwolves is the annual fundraising gala for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation, which provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. The "Taste-ing" begins at 6 p.m. with attendees enjoying cuisine from some of the Twin Cities' best restaurants as Wolves players and basketball staff members serve the food.

Taste-goers will have the opportunity to bid on unique items, experiences and merchandise during silent and live auctions, including a road trip with the Wolves to Memphis and Charlotte from March 26-28 and a Twin Cities Sports Package that includes unique experiences and tickets from the Wolves, Vikings, Twins, Gophers and Saints. Other auction items will include special Timberwolves player experiences that cannot be won elsewhere.

Following a live program, Timberwolves players will compete against each other in a live version of the Timberwolves Family Feud. Along with great food, fun and entertainment, each guest in attendance will receive an exclusive team-autographed print.

"We're excited to celebrate our 17th Taste of the Timberwolves event this year. The entire Timberwolves organization is proud of what this great event has come to represent to our fans and our community over the past 16 years," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "This unique evening gives our fans an opportunity to interact with our players and coaches while raising the funds that allows our FastBreak Foundation to continue its great work with Minnesota's youth in need. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributes to Taste and makes our Foundation's work possible."

Restaurant and food vendor participants at this year's Taste include: 2 Gingers, Anheuser-Busch, Bacardi, Bar 508, Caribou Coffee, CRAVE/Sopranos, Dickey's BBQ, Ellsworth Creamery, FACES, Granite City Food & Brewery, Huberts/A Chef's Production, Log House Foods, Kieran's, MillerCoors, Northern Vineyards, O'Donovan's, Pepsi, Pinstripes, SEVEN, Sky Deck, Vescio's and Wildfire Grill.

Over the past 16 years, Taste of the Timberwolves has raised more than $4 million dollars for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation.

Media wishing to cover the 2012 Taste of the Timberwolves should contact the Timberwolves public relations department. Timberwolves players and coaches will be available for interviews during the event.

The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. Through giving, education and basketball opportunities, the Foundation enables young people to make responsible decisions, contribute to their futures, and experience lifelong memories. In the past year, the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and the Minnesota Lynx Foundation have combined to impact 2,028 organizations with $750,000 in in-kind donations, 60,000 Tickets for Kids donations, 4,226 volunteer hours, 45 Heroes in the Making on-court presentations, and fourteen $5,000 grants.

Contact information:

Mike Cristaldi, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-8405, cristaldi@timberwolves.com

Aaron Seehusen, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-1602, seehusen@timberwolves.com

Dan Bell, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-1603, bell@timberwolves.com

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