(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shawn Personke for the information in this story.)
The first 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table dinner will take place on Sunday, Aug. 21.
A fundraiser for the 5 Healthy Towns Farmers Markets, the event needs volunteers to set up, decorate, and serve the 5-course dinner prepared by local chefs representing Chelsea, Manchester, Dexter, and Grass Lake: Craig Common, Alex Young, Dave Gallinat, Dawna Stockwell, Britt Keene and Ben Vermeylen.
“The evening will be beautiful and special,” said Shawn Personke, chair for the event, “but we need many hands.”
She said that volunteers are needed all day on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. “We have an incredible organizing committee, but nonetheless, we do need a lot of people to help the evening go smoothly,” she said in a press release.
Local produce and products are being supplied from over 15 producers, including Chelsea Alehouse and Sandhill Cranes Vineyards.
High school students from all 5 Healthy Towns (Chelsea, Manchester, Stockbridge, Dexter, and Grass Lake) are encouraged to help out and will receive a certificate for community service if they work a minimum of three hours.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for high school and church groups, service organizations, and just folks that want to experience this special kind of event,” Personke said.
Organizers for the event, which is sponsored by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation and many local businesses, farmers, and organizations, hope to raise awareness of “Eat Better,” one of the Foundation’s pillars for better living, raise funds for all five farmers markets, and to continue to build partnership bonds between the towns.
Stephanie Willette, market manager for Chelsea’s two farmers markets, said that although the five healthy towns are very different, they are connected in many ways, particularly with our food shed.
“Many of the farmers and vendors at the Chelsea market also sell in Manchester. Grass Lake and so on. I am so excited to see our farmers, chefs and community come together to celebrate the food that we share,” she said.
“There is nothing quite like eating food that is local and freshly picked. The flavors are better, and you can almost feel that connection to the land,” Willette said.
For more information about volunteering or to purchase tickets, see the 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Facebook page or contact Shawn Personke at [email protected].
