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Close to 150 Park Slopers joined together on a crisp autumn evening in the beautiful Prospect Park Picnic House for some outstanding food, lively conversation, and, most importantly, a great cause: the Park Slope Civic Council’s first annual fundraiser, Food for Thought.
The party, held on Oct. 10, was a huge success, thanks to everyone who came out and contributed to our fundraising efforts. With pledges, we raised approximately $16,000, exceeding our goal by almost $10,000! These much needed funds will be put to good use, helping the Civic Council to expand our scholarship program for local high school seniors and other charitable efforts in and around the community.
Guests’ taste buds were tantalized by the mouth-watering delicacies that had been graciously donated by local establishments. Among the tasty treats: spareribs and vegetable soup from al di la trattoria, clam chowder from Backyard; moong dal chaat and dhahi batata from Baluchi’s, pulled pork sliders from Fort Reno BBQ, mini-lemon squares and cake pops from Naturally Delicious, sopas filled with stewed meat in a mole sauce from Palo Santo, selections from Scottadito Osteria Toscana’s menu, corn chowder from Stone Park Café, and bread pudding and chocolate mousse cups from 12th Street Bar and Grill. They also imbibed spirits from Cacao Prieto, Customized Kegs, Pull Brewing Company, Slope Cellars, Sorel – Jack from Brooklyn, and Windsor Wine Merchants.
The evening was filled with great conversation among neighbors and friends. The Picnic House was festively decorated by florist Kerry Quade. Roger Lent’s elegant piano playing set the mood, and a fire crackled in the fireplace. The place was buzzing with excitement!
In the midst of these festivities, the community paused to watch StoryKeep’s short film highlighting the Civic Council’s three scholarship recipients in 2012. Funds raised at Food for Thought will help the Civic Council expand that scholarship program next year, giving other worthy students from the schools in the John Jay High School complex a financial boost on their way to college.
(If you missed the party or the video, take a look here to learn more about why these scholarships are so vital – and how you can help in the future.)
Later in the evening, Civic Council President Michael Cairl and Second Vice President Gilly Youner chose three raffle winners, who walked away with gift certificates to Talde, Thistle Hill, or Goldy + Mac.
The success of Food for Thought would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Assemblymember James Brennan, Kerry Quade, Lion in the Sun – Park Slope’s Paperie, New York Methodist Hospital, the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce, Park Slope Day Camp, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, StoryKeep, and Warren Lewis | Sotheby’s International Realty.
The outpouring of support we received from the community is humbling – and inspiring, as we start planning next year’s fundraiser. Be sure to save the date: Wed., Oct. 9, 2013!
– Sarah Murphy Gersowitz and Melinda Morris are co-chairs of the Civic Council’s Outreach Committee, which helped orchestrate Food for Thought.
Photos by David Morris
from the October 2012 Civic News