OREGON – The Oregon Park District Annual Farm to Table Dinner fundraiser is typically a fabulous meal with live entertainment, an auction, wine pairings and beautiful décor at Oak Lane of Oregon.
“The Pandemic forced us to improvise this year,” said Debbie Leffelman, event coordinator, “(and) we instead offered another great meal via curb-side pick-up.”
It was an amazing three-course meal enjoyed by 125 people. The district did its best to still present the meal very nicely with wrapped silverware, full loaves of bread tied with fabric, a bag for each meal (each course in nice matching containers) with the menu attached and a little recipe book with some of the dishes from the dinner included and bio’s about each of the amazing chefs that contributed to the dinner. Even the drive-thru was decorated with country ribbon and flowers.
“We are so grateful for the 9 local chefs and our event sponsor Circle G Farms,” Leffelman said.
Chefs included Ralf Herrera, Ralfie’s BBQ; Michelle Carreno, Hectors Cocina, Jen Koertner, Jen’s Artisan Breads, Candace Rivera, Hazels; Aaron VanRaalte, Northside BarbaQ; Barb Noble, The Noble Cakery, Dave & Marilyn Balch, Ralphie & LuLu’s; Lynn Kaufman, Lynnies’ Kitchen and Oliva Gorzny, O’s Bakery. All proceeds for the event support the Oregon Park District Youth Scholarship Fund.
“It feels great raising money to help our local youth in need so that they do not miss out on sports and recreation activities,” Leffelman said. “Every single chef was willing to donate their cooking talent and time and many of them donated all the ingredients needed. The support and generosity of these businesses is amazing, and we would like to thank Michelle Carreno, Lynn Kaufman and Marilyn Balch for also helping package up the meals for pick up. Ralfie’s BBQ not only donated food, but Ralf was grilling on site creating that great grilled smell as our guests drove through to get their meals.”
Much of the food was sourced locally as well to make the meal as fresh and delicious as possible. Special thanks to Canfield Farms, Nomia Meadows Farm, Scott Williams Farm, and our Farmers Market Vendors Bev and Nikki. Even Casey’s & McDonalds of Oregon supported the event with supplies needed. It was certainly a group effort and the feedback from those who enjoyed the meal has been wonderful.
