Chefs Unite to Raise Funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

chefs raise funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

Hundreds of supporters recently flocked to Perona Farms to support Project Self-Sufficiency at northwestern New Jersey’s premier culinary fundraising event, A Taste of Talent. Patrons mingled with chefs from more than 40 celebrated area restaurants while feasting on appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The epicurean event raises funds for the non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, and Warren. Volunteer musicians were on hand to perform during the event at various locations throughout the sprawling facility.

Perona Farms Executive Chef Kirk Avondoglio notes that Perona Farms enthusiastically embraces A Taste of Talent year after year. “What a wonderful event. I look forward to it every year. It’s nice to see all the chefs come together. There is a lot of camaraderie, and it does so much for the people served by Project Self-Sufficiency. It’s their biggest fundraiser of the year.”

Participating restaurants included 1776 by David Burke; Andre's Lakeside Dining; Angry Erik Brewing; Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse; Cafe Pierrot; Caffe NaVona; Cake Pop Bar; Capital Grille; Chef Anthony Lo Pinto; Chef Tim Schafer; The Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe; Clay Oven; Cliff's Ice Cream; Cranky Noodles; Crossed Keys Inn; Czig Meister Brewing; Dakine Cuisine; Emily's Hearth; the Farmer's daughter; Fossil Farms; Fran's Farmhouse Kitchen; Garriss General Store; George's Wine & Spirits Gallery; Gourmet Gallery; Hayek's Market; Hunter's Lodge; Indian Masala; Jersey Girl Cheese; Krave Caterers; La Vita Italian Specialties; Lola’s; Lorraine's Cake Shop & Tea Room; Mama's Cafe Baci; Mr. Crabby's Craft Kitchen & Bar; North Shore House; O'Reilly's Pub and Grill; Passionate Chef; Pattycakes; Perona Farms; Springhouse Creamery; St. Moritz Bar & Grill; Sussex County Community College Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program; Tanti Baci Caffe; and the Walpack Inn.

Music was provided by a variety of individuals and groups, including the Colofonia Trio; cellists Aubrey and Rachel Kline and Aimee Nishimura; Meant to Be; the Pro Tempos; students from the Sparta High School Chamber Club; the Skylands Dulcimer String Band; and the Sussex Brass Quintet.

“A Taste of Talent directly benefits our neighbors in need, and is the cornerstone to our annual campaign,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are exceptionally grateful for the time, talent and resources provided by the Avondoglio family, as well as all of the chefs and the musicians who have contributed to this event year after year, and to the entire community for their support of our programs for low-income families.”

“Project Self-Sufficiency offers a broad spectrum of help to the community, from help with emergency needs to life skills and education. A Taste of Talent supports Project Self-Sufficiency’s work and allows it to continue the agency’s impact across generations,” added Project Self-Sufficiency Board member Brian Lytwynec who served as event chairperson along with his wife, Leigh. “We are exceptionally grateful for the leadership of Project Self-Sufficiency, the team of employees, and volunteers whose efforts make the work of Project Self-Sufficiency possible. We feel very fortunate to be a part of an event which unites the community while offering financial support to Project Self-Sufficiency.”

To donate to Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway. The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application. Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to t...

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey. The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool. “...

New Jersey's First Female State Trooper Defies Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Gail Just approaches her health with the same no-nonsense attitude which made her a success in her law enforcement career. When an annual mammogram revealed that she had three tumors in one of her breasts, she immediately investigated her alternatives, selected a medical provider, and proceeded with a treatment plan. “I’m a retired state trooper and I tend to take things differently than most people,” remarked Just. “I decided we’re not going to use the word ‘scared.’” Breast cancer is often a silent disease, with virtually no symptoms, but it is often completely curable if diagnosed in its early stages. In 1980, the national five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer was about 74%; today that number is 99%. There are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. One out of eight women will develop breast cancer, yet about 85% of these women have no family history of the disease. A...

News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Search This Blog