Taste 2026 returns to Plano with over a dozen chefs and auction

Annual Hendrick Scholarship Foundation gala features top local restaurants and honors community leader

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation's annual Taste fundraiser is returning to Plano on March 5, 2026, featuring more than a dozen of the region's top restaurants serving their finest dishes. The event, with the theme "Celebrate: Decades of Dedication", will also honor longtime community leader Rutledge Haggard as the honorary chair and showcase the foundation's scholarship recipients.

Why it matters

The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation has provided crucial support and mentorship to Plano ISD graduates who have overcome significant adversity, helping them succeed through education. The annual Taste event is the foundation's signature fundraiser, generating vital funds to continue this important work in the community.

The details

More than a dozen Plano-area restaurants will participate in this year's Taste event, including Anayas Seafood, Central Market, CraftWay Kitchen, Eddie V's, Freebirds Wood Fired Grill, Fogo de Chao, Gleneagles Country Club, Knife by John Tesar, Lockhart, Mexican Bar Co., Plano East Senior High Bistro, Rise Souffle, Shogun, Trulucks, and Uchiko. The event will also feature a VIP reception with honorary chair Rutledge Haggard, who will be interviewed on stage by emcee Rikki Ragland.

  • The Taste 2026 event will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

A nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and support services to Plano ISD graduates who have overcome significant adversity, helping them succeed through education.

Rutledge Haggard

The honorary chair for the Taste 2026 event, known for his longstanding commitment to the Plano community.

Rikki Ragland

The emcee who will interview Rutledge Haggard on stage during the Taste 2026 event.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Taste 2026 event showcases the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting Plano ISD graduates and highlights the vibrant local food scene, bringing the community together to celebrate decades of dedication to education and community service.