Farm to Fork fundraiser aids Heart of Oregon Corps
On a beautiful Central Oregon Sunday evening, over 240 community members made their way up the Pine Marten ski lift to raise funds for local youth. Aperion Management Group hosted the third annual Farm to Fork Dinner and Fundraiser: Sunset at 8,000 Feet on Sunday, Sept. 9 at Mt. Bachelor’s Pine Marten Lodge to benefit local non-profit, Heart of Oregon Corps.
The event featured a lift ride to and from the lodge, farm to fork food prepared by a local chef, drinks, youth and employer speeches, music, and of course, an amazing sunset.
Local chef Ingrid Rohrer of Broken Top Bottle Shop arranged a menu to delight with items such as Tunisian carrot dip bruschetta, Home Farm Foods pork ragout with polenta cakes, tomato reduction, and crisp pork skin, and truffle and local mushroom mac and cheese. Ingredients were sourced from over ten Central Oregon and Willamette Valley farms, hauled to 8,000 feet and once prepared, were served by Heart of Oregon youth (with supportive training from Mt. Bachelor servers).
“I liked learning about being a server, trying the great food, and the Mt. Bachelor staff shared about all the jobs there, and encouraged me to apply!” said Heart of Oregon Corps participant Conrad, from Bend.
The Farm to Fork event is also about the community raising money to support youth in Heart of Oregon’s “work-earn-learn” programs. Businesses and individuals alike gave in different ways throughout the evening including table sponsorship, a raffle for an Alaskan getaway and a donation paddle raise. The goal to exceed last year’s amount raised of $30,000 came to fruition and $50,000 was raised!
“This level of individual and business community support of local youth who are working so hard to improve their lives is incredibly heartening,” said Laura Handy, Heart of Oregon Corps’ Executive Director. “I love that our youth are empowered to share their stories and get to explore the hospitality and tourism industry all through the event.”
Both corporate sponsorships and public tickets are available for Farm to Fork each year. Stay tuned for 2019 sponsorship and ticket information at www.heartoforegon.org/news-events/farm-to-fork.
