This semi-annual Farm to Table event was hosted at the lovely Niner Wine Estates back in 2018. The fall weather could not have been more perfect. The sell out crowd of about 85 were easily handled by the staff, with wine, kombucha, iced tea and great appetizers to kick things off.
The SLO Natural Foods Co-op had a table talking about National Co-op month and giving out coupons for the store. The Co-op was the first food enterprise that Slow Money SLO assisted and they are going strong 6 years later!
Farmers and all food purveyors who contributed to the great menu were given special badges to identify them, allowing guests to mingle and learn more about their products in advance of the meal. Slow Money SLO messaging and stories were posted around the event to bring fans up to date on our work over the past 6 years. In a nutshell, loans have assisted 25 food entities, through 125 collective loans by 50 individuals.
After dinner, three Slow Money SLO loan recipients spoke, conveying the impact they have seen as a result of our assistance. Aimee from the Co-op, Caroline from All Good and Jake from Whalebird Kombucha each spoke for a few minutes. Then Mike Murgatroyd, Slow Money SLO Board President, spoke about what it means to him and his wife Caroline, to make a loan that helps the local food system. Guests were slow to leave, chatting and catching up, while the ever gracious Niner staff accommodated everyone with the most care you could imagine.
Many Thanks to So Many!!! Especially Andy Niner and Mary Lou Wilhelm
Volunteers: Danielle, Cecilia, Adam, Nell and Jennifer
Food Purveyors: Back Porch Bakery, Bliss River Organics, Charter Oak Meats, Dragon Springs Farm, Kandarian Organic Farms, Manzanita Manor Organics, Olde Port Fish Company, Robinsong Farms, Rock Front Ranch, SLO Natural Foods Co-op, Surfside Farm, and Vintage Cheese
YOU CAN SUPPORT LOCAL SIMPLY BY BUYING FROM THESE VENDORS WHEN YOU SEE THEM IN STORES OR FARMERS MARKETS.
Beverages: Whalebird Kombucha and Niner Wine!!!
Door Prizes: Provided by All Good, Black Diamond Vermicompost and Niner Wine Estates
Chef Chris Closser and Event Coordinator Andrew May did a magnificent job and the menu was incredible. Everyone loved it!
We are incredibly grateful to Pam Niner, Andy Niner and the Niner family team for not only hosting the event but showing support and enthusiasm for our work throughout SLO County. Niner Wine is 100% estate grown grapes with sustainable management of their facilities and vineyards and with an award winning restaurant. Their tasting room is even LEED Silver certified.
Read more about Mary Lou Wilhelm (attached) – Many Thanks to Mary Lou for her Vision and Support!