Tickets are now on sale for the annual Celebrity Chef and Harvest Dinner, which takes place Nov. 7 at Cafe at Adele’s. This is one of three fundraisers conducted each year for The Greenhouse Project, whose mission it is to continue “growing a greener and healthier community,” according to Karen Abowd, board president, who co-owns Cafe at Adele’s with her husband, Chef Charlie Abowd.
One course sponsor of $1,120 and Angel Donors are still needed. Course sponsors receive two seats at the table plus inclusion in media and social media. The Angel Donor has traditionally been one person or entity that has provided $5,000, and is matched the evening of the dinner. This year, thanks to the work of Sophia Waite and Shaylin Segura, seniors at Carson High School, has a new approach.
“The girls have paired up with the Greenhouse for their Senior Project and have started an educational and fundraising campaign,” Karen said. “We are asking everyone to visit their Generosity by Indiegogo page to learn about these talented girls, about the Greenhouse and make a donation of any size — large or small — whatever is affordable because together, we can make a huge difference.
“Every dollar and even spare change adds up in a hurry.”
The page is located at www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/carson-city-greenhouse-project.
What began as a celebration many years ago of Charlie’s father, restaurateur Paul Abowd, seemed like a natural fit for GHP, as the facility, located on the campus of Carson High School, exists for the purpose of educating students about all aspects of sustainable growing practices, while providing fresh vegetables for the under served in the community and for the school’s culinary arts program.
This year, Charlie will be joined in the kitchen by Whitney and Josh Deri, owners of Blend Catering, Reno, as they prepare the six-course, wine- or beer-paired meal (diners’ preference, noted at time of ticket purchase).
“I am so excited this year, that with the exception of the melons, which are sourced from Peri & Sons in Yerington, all ingredients will be sourced within an 18-mile radius of the restaurant,” Charlie said. “This is unheard of and speaks to the ever-expanding availability of locally sourced products.”
This year’s menu features produce and meat provided by Glorious Garlic Farm, Nancy’s Green Barn Farm, Alpine Ranch, and Bently Ranch.
“I call this year’s menu the barnyard menu, as it will showcase FFA and locally raised, lamb, goat, beef and duck,” Karen said. “In addition, Josh, Whitney and Charlie have created a menu that is unique and not like anything we have done before.”
Both the Culinary Arts Class and Capital City FFA students will assist with the evening’s festivities, and in fact, the lamb that will be served is sourced from an FFA project purchased at the livestock auction, which takes place during the Nevada State Fair.
Course sponsors so far include Barbara and Paul D’Anneo, Lone Mountain Veterinary, Carson City Toyota, Nature’s Bakery, and Abowd and Rose Financial Group.
Silent auction items are a wine paired dinner with Chef Charlie and Karen Abowd at their home for six (priceless); dinner for four at Glorious Garlic Farm, “Abruzzo Porchetta Casa Linga” (value: $1,000); and a vacation home package at Kings Beach/Brockway, Lake Tahoe, donated by Rob and Maria Watson (value: $2,200). There will also be a raffle for a case of mixed wines from the cellars of Cafe at Adele’s.
“Our goal for the Greenhouse as we move into this coming year, is to educate our community and our young people who are not directly involved in the CHS ag program about what exactly we do, and how it positively impacts the community,” Karen said. “Education plays an important role in broadening and sustaining the financial operations, which are considerable, as well as providing additional resources to support greater participation of students and expansion of the facility to include cutting-edge technologies on site, going forward.
“The work we do would not be possible without our community’s support as we continue growing a greener and healthier community.”
Tickets for the dinner cost $200 each. They can be purchased by calling Cafe at Adele’s, 775-882-3353, or at the restaurant, 1112 N. Carson St., Carson City. For further sponsorship information or other questions, call Karen at 775-232-8626. To learn more about The Greenhouse Project, please visit www.carsoncitygreenhouse.org.