On May 6th, Providence Restaurant and Catering hosted their second annual Fresh Starts & Full Plates Gala. This was a cocktail party of epic proportions to support a cause of unquestionable value.
Held in the non-profit’s restaurant itself, the festivities commenced at 6 PM with a silent auction, gift card gamble, and Champagne game. Wait staff – all Providence Culinary Training alum or current students – traveled among the guests offering scrumptious appetizers, while guests also had the option to sample various entrees at stations throughout the party.
The Wally West Little Big Band kept guests entertained before Master of Ceremonies Cameron Kent got the main event going. It was a magical evening of great food, great music, and community support for a great cause!
Thanks to the generous support of both sponsors and guests, the Fresh Starts & Full Plates Gala raised funds to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s Providence Restaurant & Catering, Providence Culinary Training, and other projects designed to feed local families! This financial support helps Providence run their innovative culinary training program, which provides kitchen skills and internships to help local folks move into family-supporting wage work in the culinary field.
“Providence Restaurant is opening doors for those who thought they had run out of options,” said Chef Jeff Bacon, the founder and leader of the Providence programs to event guests. “The program emphasizes the importance of skills, confidence, and ongoing personal and professional development.”
This annual event allows Providence Culinary Training students-turned-apprentices the opportunity to show off their culinary chops (pun intended!). The gala’s menu included extraordinary dishes such as Soy Mirin Compressed Watermelon; Israeli Salad; Crispy Pork Belly; Braised Asian Greens; Aberdeen Angus Strip Loin; Joyce Farms Chicken and Dumplings; Gold Rice Crusted Carolina Classics Catfish; Seared Sea Scallops; DJ’s Peach Cheesecake with Bourbon Peaches; Chocolate Macadamia Tart with Salted Caramel; and Sweet Potato Grand Marnier Cake. Each ingredient and each recipe reflected Second Harvest and Providence’s dedication to local farmers and local economies, making sure each bite reflected community values… and, to be sure, no one left hungry!
The event also helped raise funds for upcoming Providence projects, including their newest concept – Providence Kitchen at BB&T. This new eatery will be another opportunity for Providence to help create job training, empower students to break the cycle of poverty, and give second chances… and sometimes first… chances to people in our community.
Enjoy fine dining and support a wonderful cause at the same time! You can visit Providence Restaurant & Catering at 5790 University Parkway in Winston-Salem. Call 336.744.3456. The restaurant is opened Tuesday – Friday from 11 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 10 PM; and on Saturday from 5 – 10 PM. Be sure to like their page on Facebook and visit online at ProvidenceRestaurantWS.com. Learn more about Providence Culinary Training at hungerNWNC.org.
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What makes Providence Restaurant & Catering unique?
Providence Restaurant & Catering is a non-profit restaurant and program through Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. Through the Providence Culinary Training program, students are given the opportunity to hone their skills learned during their 13-week training, while earning an income alongside seasoned and experienced professionals. Internships and employment opportunities are available with Providence Restaurant & Catering, or one of the Second Harvest Food Banks’ employment partners.
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How to support Providence:
It’s easy to support Providence. One of the easiest ways is to simply go out to eat! Win-win! But other ways to show your support include:
- Liking and sharing their posts on Facebook! Help get the word out in the community about this dynamic program that changes lives.
- Let them cater your next event!
- Donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank!
- Participate in their special events.
