In 2017, I began writing a Hopewell Express column called “From The Schools.” In 2019, I switched the focus to local conservation topics and the column became “Nature In The Valley.”
Now, I’m ready for a new direction. I’ll tell you where I’m going and you can suggest the name for my new column!
Regular readers tell me they enjoy the hyperlocal and optimistic spirit of my columns. Sometimes they may learn something, or are inspired to take action, and other times it just feels good to know about positive happenings in the community.
So, let’s build on what readers appreciate and not be limited to a single subject such as education or nature.
To kick things off, this column discusses a fundraiser that brought me and others joy.
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The Pie in the Sky event started as an idea by a Facebook Group called Mercer, Bucks, Hunterdon, Central Jersey Eateries. Since their name is a mouthful (pun intended) I just call them MBH Eateries. Their goal was to find a fun way to share pie recipes that could be used for Thanksgiving.
They added a bakeoff to test the recipes, trivia games to keep people entertained while pies were judged, and a fundraiser component to share in the abundance.
The fundraiser was held the Thursday before Thanksgiving so recipes would be out quick enough to help with holiday dessert. The pies were beautiful. The trivia was a blast, and the award ceremony was filled with great prizes.
That is where the predictable part of this story ends.
The morning after the event, I drove a carload of donations over to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Initially one gentleman oohed and aahed as he removed a couple pies from the trunk of my car. Then he returned with more people. As I grabbed stuff from my front and back seats, they enthusiastically filled a big rolling bin from the trunk.
When I got home, I posted to MBH Eateries that I had dropped off their TASK donations. The first comment on my post was a kind expression of gratitude from Michelle Wexler, TASK Chief Development Officer. From the first day the Pie In The Sky Fundraiser was announced, Michelle gave the event a sense of purpose by providing encouraging words and involving other TASK staff.
A post from Erykah Barkley read, “Thank you so much! Signed a case manager at TASK.” I replied, “Thank you. Please relay to the staff that I loved their reactions. Their enthusiasm was contagious.”
To which she responded, “I was one of the ones. It was an amazing amount of goodness.” Another TASK post stated, “These donations will go right back to the community to help our neighbors in need.”
Fortunately, by the time this goes to print, TASK will also receive about $1,800 in monies raised. Not a bad sum considering that it was a first try.
The inaugural Pie in the Sky was limited to 50 people and sold out within 6 days after ticket sales opened. 29 businesses donated food and prizes. People showed up not only with pies to be judged, but also pies to donate and many other gifts for TASK.
They were especially thrilled to see Michelle Wexler in person when she showed up unannounced at the fundraiser and handed out TASK swag.
Attendees also found the event to be a bonding experience, as most registered alone or in pairs and all were assigned to teams of 5 for the trivia games.
Kim Janel, MBH Eateries founder shared: “I can’t tell you how many people walked up to me and said, ‘Don’t make this JUST an annual event. Please find a way for us to join more regularly. It is so great to meet new friends, connect through the group, and support a great cause.’”
Pie contest winner Kelly Ware with her pie. (Photo by Paul Domboski.),
