Fundraiser Focuses on Farm to Table
A sold-out crowd of 185 diners had a unique experience Tuesday night when they attended the first Farm to Table Fundraiser for the Paris-Henry County Arts Council.
Filling the barn at Westfalia Farms on Alman Cemetery Road with the fragrant scents of the locally sourced foods, chef Andy Yeomans explained to those gathered that using foods grown only in Henry County was a great way to raise awareness about the food to table process.
“We are the bread basket of our country,” he said, referring to the South and Midwest. “And we’re the bread basket of the world.
“Our farmers are the ones putting food on the plates of people around the world.”
Chloe Roth, executive director of the arts council, said the monetary goal of the fundraiser was to be able to fund three $1,000 culinary arts scholarships for students at Henry County High School and to further the missions of PHCAC.
The evening included not just the wide variety of food, but also musical entertainment from local singer Johnny Mac, and a painter onsite, Eric Stonebraker of Paris. Stonebraker was stationed on the upper floor of the barn, as were several of the diners.
Westfalia Farms hosts a variety of events, including weddings.
Roth said there were five local growers who served as providers of the food ingredients that Yeomans used to make the dishes.
Yeomans is also known for his restaurant, The Family Table, in Henry.
A silent auction was another feature of the evening. It included items like artwork, a candlelit dinner, photography sessions, gift baskets, getaway weekends, jewelry and boat rentals.
“The majority of our funds tonight will probably come from the silent auction,” said Mary Kate Paschall, a member of the arts council.
