By Michall Jeffers
The 9th annual Feed Me Fresh event delighted 100s of guests who sampled fabulous food while donating to a great cause. On Saturday, September 28, everyone gathered at the bucolic Ivanna Farms to eat food from top local restaurants, participate in an exciting auction, and listen to a lively bluegrass band. Chappaqua was well represented by board member Clark Robson, and his wife Mary Sue; other sponsors included Nancy and Ken Stein, and Barbara and Paul Jenkel. Sabin and Beverley Streeter were Honorary Event Chairs.
Drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres were served and on display were numerous and varied items for the silent auction. Sale items included winter accoutrements, handmade with the fiber of home raised alpaca.
Dinner providers included Quaker Hill Tavern; owner Kelly Sullivan, whose husband is a graduate of Horace Greeley, had the monumental task of organizing the event. “Our goal is to raise a significant amount of money for our scholarship program, to offset the increasing cost of childcare. It’s amazing what a group of committed, compassionate people can get accomplished!”
The spirit of the restaurateurs was best stated by Café of Love owner Leslie Lampert, who served kale salad and soup, “I care deeply about what MKCCC is doing; they’re teaching children about eating right from the ground up. They’re the best!”
A highlight of the evening was the auction conducted by Doug Wilson, who amused the crowd with his impression of Howard Cosell, with whom he had worked. Bidding was fast and furious, with the largest amount, over $4,000, paid for a dinner for 10 in the wine cellar of Crabtree’s Kittle House. Wilson assured the winner, “Drink all the wine you want. Transportation is included!”
The honorees of the evening were retiring Executive Director, Dottie Jordan, and founding member of MKCCC, the late Grace Marwell, and her family. The affection felt for both Dottie and Grace was expressed in speeches by David Griff, MKCCC Board President; master of ceremonies, MKCCC Program Director, Dawn Meyerski; and in short videos. Narrator Dr. Curtis Beusman, of Curtis Instruments, noted that Grace Marwell was aptly named.
When Dottie Jordan took the stage inside the tent, cries of “We love you, Dottie!” filled the air. Stuart Marwell eloquently represented his family when he spoke glowingly of his mother. Lovely birdcages were given to Dottie and the Marwell family, as tokens of appreciation.
Since 1971, MKCC has provided affordable, superb childcare and education for local working families. Innovative programs include informing children how to eat a healthy diet, and involving them in the growing and cooking of nutritious food. The event was a rousing success, and when all the speeches had been made, and no one could eat another bite, many lingered, not wanting the evening to be over.
Photos by Kat McKee
Michall Jeffers is a respected Cultural Journalist. She and her husband, John Warner, are longtime Chappaqua residents; they provided the succotash for the first Thanksgiving ever held in Westchester.
