Each year Table to Table strives to reach the growing number of people in our community who are affected by hunger, and our fundraising goals increase to keep pace with those efforts. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the 2007 Chefs Gala and Great Grill & Pig Out surpassed all prior event records for both money raised and attendance. More than $375,000 was raised by the spring events, a significant increase over 2006. The continued success of these events is essential in helping us meet our annual operating expenses and ensuring a healthy financial future for Table to Table.

The Montammy Golf Club in Alpine was the setting for our annual Chefs Gala held on May 3rd. This elegant event showcased our area’s finest chefs and special guest of honor, Danny Meyer of the Union Square Hospitality Group. The evening began with a grand cocktail hour arranged by Executive Chefs Eric Hara of Davidburke & Donatella and Chris Shea of David Burke at Bloomingdale’s. The five-course meal that followed featured the culinary masterpieces of Chef Edward Lake, Chakra; Chef Ryan DePersio, Fascino; Michael Tong, Shun Lee Palace; Chef Peter Kelly, Xaviar’s at Piermont; and Chef Richard Leach, Park Avenue Café.

On May 30th a standing-room-only crowd gathered for our Great Grill & Pig Out, enjoying the combination of beautiful weather and lovely surroundings at The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale. Guests feasted on the culinary creations provided by more than 25 of North Jersey’s exceptional chefs, which were accompanied by a showcase of fine wines. Our guest of honor, the charismatic and widely-acclaimed celebrity chef Todd English, was on hand to mingle and provide insightful commentary on the importance of continuing to fight hunger in the United States.

With great appreciation, Table to Table would like to acknowledge the efforts of the many individuals who organized these remarkable evenings filled with magnificent food, extraordinary wines, and exciting auction items. We are grateful to American Express, our Grand Sponsor, as well as our longtime Platinum Corporate Sponsors, American Airlines, Neiman Marcus Paramus, Control Group, Bergen Jaguar, Samsung Electronics, Summit Associates, Wachovia Wealth Management, and “201” Magazine, who were joined this year by Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.

Additionally, we would specifically like to thank:

• Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirit World in Hohokus for a selection of incomparable wines at both events;
• Seasoned auctioneer Helen Seymour, who led the Chefs Gala’s live auction; and
• Mark Sganga and Friends for live music that added a lively atmosphere to both events.

It is hard to imagine that with the bountiful food resources in this country so many people do not have enough to eat. Table to Table is determined to make sure that fresh, nutritious food gets to those who need it most. We thank you for your enthusiastic support – it will go a long way in helping us reach our goal of providing more than 5 million meals in 2007. You have truly made a difference!