In these uncertain times, many of us are getting creative, as we have had to adjust or completely reinvent our lives to work our way back toward some semblance of the lives we experienced before COVID.
It’s been the same for organizations, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is no exception. Their annual Farm-to-Fourth fundraiser is usually an in-person event showcasing fabulous produce from local farms prepared by the area’s top chefs. Hundreds of guests, seated together at long community tables running down the middle Fourth Street in Downtown Winston-Salem, gathered to enjoy a delicious four-course meal.
Although such a large gathering wasn’t possible this year, local farms and chefs joined by faithful sponsors were determined to support the mission of Second Harvest and its Providence programs. Despite the challenges these farms and chefs are themselves experiencing in the face of the pandemic, Farm-to-Fourth At-Home served up an extraordinary menu for touchless, drive-thru pick-up. It was a sold-out affair, and the event, which was held on Sunday, September 13th, raised more than $80,000 to support Second Harvest’s continued strong emergency response efforts—all while ensuring that everyone remained safe.
A live-stream broadcast allowed patrons a “look behind the scenes” and way to connect with the inspiring energy of the event, once they returned home. The broadcast was also a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful event sponsors and chefs, including
Lowes Foods, the presenting sponsor for the event. Other new and returning sponsors included were Truist, Garner Foods, Hanes Brands, Allegacy, Rob & Holly Stowe, Parsec Financial and Raffaldini Vineyards.
Participating restaurants included Providence, Spring House, Quanto Basta, The Porch Kitchen & Cantina, Alma Mexicana, Canteen Market & Bistro, Six Hundred Degrees Live Fire Kitchen, Roosters – A Noble Grille, The Katherine Brasserie, and Bobby Boy Bakeshop.
Heather Martin, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Providence, said, “During these unprecedented times, we felt it important to find a way to come together, even if virtually, as a community and share a good meal for a great cause. Food insecurity in our community has never been greater, and the work of Second Harvest Food Bank and Providence has increased substantially to meet this demand. This reinvented event allowed us to remind our community that we are here for the long haul to serve our neighbors in need, while giving them a direct (and delicious!) way to support our work.”
Second Harvest Food Bank is planning to host their Farm to Fourth event around the same time next year; fingers crossed for it to be in person!
A fundraiser to feed neighbors in need!
