News
September 30, 2015Capital Roots Raises $90,000 at 9th Annual “Autumn Evening in the Garden”
Photo Credit: Liz Lajeunesse
Capital Roots raised a record-breaking $90,000 (up 23 percent from the previous year) at their 9th annual ‘Autumn Evening in the Garden’ gala held September 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.
The local non-profit hosted nearly 350 people, for whom 20 of the region’s top chefs and bakers created culinary samples using fresh, seasonal ingredients donated by 40 local farmers. Nine beverage purveyors were also on hand, serving samples of favorite local wine, beer and spirits. Guests mingled with chefs, farmers and friends during this strolling supper while listening to the sounds of the Neil Brown Jazz Quartet. The event kicked off the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary celebration which will continue for the next year.
In honor of the anniversary, restaurateur (and local celebrity auctioneer) LeGrande Serras helped the organization raise $32,000 during the gala’s first ever live auction, supporting two of the organization’s seven programs.
Proceeds from the event benefit 51 Community Gardens, the Veggie Mobile®, the Produce Project, Healthy Stores, Squash Hunger and Capital Roots’ other programs – all of which increase access to fresh, affordable food in our region’s underserved neighborhoods.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 40 years of nourishing healthy communities throughout the Capital Region,” said Capital Roots’ Executive Director Amy Klein. “This is an exciting milestone for our organization. The gala gives us the opportunity to recognize our success, while anticipating what’s in store for the future.”
