By: Brian Roach – Staff Writer
Elijah’s Promise’s Chef’s Night has long been the organization’s most important fundraiser. This year, in the face of a struggling economy and a diminishing job market, the benefit dinner – which helps fund the Promise Jobs Culinary School – is more important than ever.
Slated to feature food from more than 25 local restaurants, Chef’s Night will be held Monday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at the Palace at Somerset Park in Franklin.
Michelle Wilson, community relations director for Elijah’s Promise, which runs a soup kitchen in New Brunswick and offers social services, said the three-hour event gives those in attendance an opportunity to eat an "unimaginable" amount of food while supporting "a better future" for individuals in need.
"It is a tough economic time," Ms. Wilson said in a press release, "so we are hopeful that folks will splurge, knowing that one of the best meals of their year will also benefit an important cause."
Promise Jobs Culinary School, now in its 12th year of operation, provides low-income adults with the training necessary to enter a career in the hospitality or food-service industry. The money raised by the Chef’s Night fundraiser has become critical to Elijah’s Promise’s ability to operate the program, providing nearly 20 percent of the school’s overall funding.
Among those participating in the benefit are Zone 7, an agricultural organization; The Brothers Moon, a Hopewell restaurant; The Blue Rooster, a Cranbury bakery and cafe; TPC Jasna Polana, a Princeton-based country club; and The Bent Spoon, an ice cream shop/bakery located in Princeton’s Palmer Square.
Will Mooney, co-owner and executive chef of The Brothers Moon restaurant, said his establishment has been a participant in Chef’s Night for nine years. At this year’s event, the restaurant will feature a seared tuna entree with a chocolate mousse dessert.
"(This is) one of the events that we look forward to every year," Mr. Mooney said of the fundraiser. "It’s fun – for the participants and those in attendance – and it helps a lot of people. Overall, it is just a great event. It’s a way to help people and make a difference."
And, according to Mr. Mooney, who also has served as a teacher at the Promise Jobs Culinary School, organizations like Elijah’s Promise that provide low-income individuals with proper nourishment are of paramount importance in any community. It is the role of local businesses and individuals to support such programs, he added.
The Bent Spoon’s Gabrielle Carbone could not agree more.
"Elijah’s Promise is doing real, hands-on work educating people," Ms. Carbone said. "The skills that people are learning through these programs will help them sustain themselves, and that what’s so important. (Elijah’s Promise) is something that’s very important to The Bent Spoon, and we’re happy to support Chef’s Night."
Ms. Carbone said that the Bent Spoon, which traditionally contributes ice cream and sorbet to the Elijah’s Promise benefit dinner, has been a participant almost every year since the dessert shop opened its doors in 2004.
For newcomer TPC Jasna Polana, a Professional Golfers’ Association club, Chef’s Night is all about fulfilling the PGA’s mission – giving back to the community in any way possible.
"A big reason why I got into the hospitality industry is because it’s a great way to have a positive impact on peoples’ lives," said Ben Hales, director of hospitality at TPC Jasna Polana. "(Through programs like Chef’s Night), we have an opportunity to make some great memories."
Ms. Wilson said she has been impressed by the amount of support shown for this year’s program. She said that with 34 restaurants participating in this year’s event, Elijah’s Promise has exceeded its largest previous offering by 10.
"It is amazing to see so many restaurants, many that are also feeling the effects of this tough economy, coming out to support the agency," Ms. Wilson said in her press release. "We depend on this event to provide our folks with the services they need, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that people will purchase tickets for the event."
Chef’s Night will feature a silent auction. Tickets for the event are $130 per person, with $105 going to Elijah’s Promise.
For more information on the Elijah’s Promise’s Chef’s Night, including ticket availability, visit www.elijahspromise.org or call 732-545-9002, ext. 126.
