Rachel Louchen reports from Millerton. The third annual Chef & Farmer Brunch and Summer Barn Party to benefit the North East Community Center, was a roaring success on Sunday, July 28, far surpassing the previous year's turnout as well as income, due to the support of underwriters like Red Hook native Mario Batali. More than 160 guests gathered at Silver Mountain Farm in Millerton for the brunch, enjoying food from 13 area restaurants such as the Route 7 Grill, No. 9, and John Andrews. Known for their fun events like the Spring for Sound festival, the NECC fundraiser aimed to raise funds for programs like Dial-A-Ride, which provides elderly and low income families with transportation to doctors appointments, funds for children's art and nature classes, and it's newest endeavor, The Summer Food Program, which will serve more than 3,000 meals to children from low incomes families in the Webutuck School District. Long after the food was cleared away, guests stuck around the beautiful Dutchess County barn to sip on cocktails provided by Hillrock Distillery and of course, mimosas, and danced for a good cause. At left, North East Community Center Executive Director, Jenny Hansell, with Sara Ugolini, Teen Program Director.
New York State Assembly Member Didi Barrett with husband, David Barrett.
Director of Operations at Hillrock Distillery, Tim Welly with girlfriend, Social Media Coordinator for Vibrant Health, Kate Shanley; NECC Coordinator of Farming and Food Program, Betsey McCall with Event Chair Kristen Panzer.
Evan Cooper, Theresa Devane, and John Branca came out to support the cause; Wassaic Project founders Bowie Zunino and husband, Jeff Barnett-Winsby with their daughter.
Christine Bates and Peter Greenough with Pattie Camillone, owner of Wholey Oats, and husband, Alex Camillone.
Catchia Goggin with Stissing House owner, Patricia Jean; Event Chairs Taryn Cocheo and Mimi Ramos Harney.
Herondale Farm owner Jerry Peele and Tim Bontecou; Bluegrass band, Pocatello members Liv Carrow, Sasha Pearl, and Baby Willis supplied twangy tunes.
Michael Harney provided tea for the event, Elyse Harney-Morris, John Harney, founder of Harney & Sons Fine Teas, and wife, Elyse Harney.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
