October 11, 2007

Slow Food Gala at Holy Cross to Benefit Regional Environmental Council Community Programs

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Regional Environmental Council (REC), in partnership with the College of the Holy Cross, will hold a Slow Food Gala fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 26, from 6 – 10 p.m. in Lower Kimball on the Holy Cross campus to benefit the REC’s UGROW and YouthGROW programs. The event, which includes a five course meal and a silent auction, is open to the public. Tickets are $75 for REC members and $85 for non-members.  If someone would like to purchase a membership to REC with their ticket, the cost is $100.

About Slow Food:

Slow food, an international movement dedicated to preserving and supporting traditional ways of growing, producing and preparing food, was developed by renowned food and wine writer Carlo Petrini in 1986 in response to the opening of fast-food franchises in Rome. As opposed to fast food and all it implies, Petrini advocated the value of sitting down and enjoying your meal with company.

Marty Dudek, assistant director of dining services at Holy Cross, will prepare the slow food for the gala using only seasonal ingredients that are locally or organically grown. Some of the vegetables in his menu have been grown in REC’s YouthGROW farm in Worcester, and all ingredients for the meal will come from sources within 100 miles of Worcester.  

“The slow food movement is a great opportunity for people to take the chance and enjoy food and company during a meal,” says Dudek. “It makes us slow down and enjoy our lives — if only for a short time.”   

The menu follows:

• pumpkin bisque
• Vermont cheddar and Cortland apple puff pastry topped with a cider vinegar reduction
• organic mesclun salad with dried cranberries and native apples finished with a maple dressing
• choice of fresh roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing or pan seared tofu with a green curry coconut sauce served over noodle stir fry.  (Both will be served with a local vegetable medley and white and sweet potato au gratin.)
• cranberry lime tart

All guests will receive a complimentary slow food recipe book.   

About UGROW and YouthGROW:

The UGROW program oversees a network of 27 urban community gardens and over 350 gardeners.

“They turn vacant spaces into thriving gardens with fruit, vegetables, flowers, and herbs,” explains Beth Quitadamo, a REC Board member and Chair of the Slow Food Gala Committee. “Not only do they beautify the local community, they create safe places for children to play.”    

The YouthGROW summer program takes place from June to August on an inner city farm. The youth workers maintain the farm, while they complete an educational curriculum that includes public speaking, event planning, and community building. Every summer YouthGROW raises over 2,000 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables, most of which is donated to food pantries and families in need. 
 
“Holy Cross has a longstanding relationship with REC, and the College is a major sponsor of this event,” explains Catherine Roberts, associate professor of mathematics at Holy Cross and REC board member. “The College has donated green house space for growing the seedlings that went into the city's urban organic gardening program used to grow the ingredients for the slow food.”

Holy Cross has had numerous students work, intern and volunteer with the REC over the past three years.  Three current Holy Cross staff members have served or are serving on the REC board including, Roberts; Kathy Robertson, special assistant to the president for community affairs; and Jesse Anderson, director of audio visual services. 

Founded in 1971, REC is a grassroots, non-profit organization that is dedicated to building strong, healthy communities and improving the quality of life in Worcester.  

For more information, visit the Regional Environmental Council website.

Related stories:

Fresh Idea, Slow Food concept fries fast food, favors five-course meals

For additional information contact Cristal Perriello at 508.793.2419