Mount Kisco Child Care Center's 20th Annual Fundraiser Showcases Local Culinary Talent

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) has revealed an impressive lineup of culinary partners for its upcoming 20th Annual 'Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening' fundraiser. The event, scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Ivanna Farms in Mount Kisco, aims to support the center's mission of providing equitable access to high-quality child care and early education for a diverse group of children.

MKCCC, a non-profit organization with over 50 years of service to working families in Westchester, currently cares for 145 children aged three months to eleven years. The center offers full-day care, before- and after-school programs, and summer camp activities. The annual fundraiser draws inspiration from the center's innovative Feed Me Fresh curriculum, which educates children about health and nutrition through hands-on gardening and cooking experiences.

Dawn Meyerski, Executive Director of MKCCC, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, 'This year's event will feature an exceptional lineup of local restaurants. By coming together to support our mission, these pillars of our community help us move closer to ensuring that every child in our community has access to high-quality childcare and nutritious meals.'

Attendees of the fundraiser will have the opportunity to sample culinary offerings from a diverse array of local establishments. Participating restaurants include A & S Marketplace, Ben & Jerry's, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Crabtree's Kittle House, Exit 4 Food Hall, Ladle of Love, Little Drunken Chef, Lexington Square Café, Mentor's Mediterranean Steakhouse, Mimi's Coffee House, Monarca, and Mt. Kisco Seafood.

In addition to the sampling stations, the event will feature a special three-course plated meal prepared by Chef Tommy Calandrucci of Stone Fire and Chef Maarten Steenman of La Tulipe Desserts, both based in Mount Kisco. This collaboration highlights the community's commitment to supporting MKCCC's mission.

The 'Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening' fundraiser not only showcases local culinary talent but also serves as a crucial source of support for MKCCC's Scholarship Fund. This fund is dedicated to assisting families in the community who would otherwise find high-quality child care unaffordable, furthering the center's goal of equitable access to early education.

This year's event will honor two individuals who have made significant contributions to MKCCC: Peter Schwarz, a longtime supporter and Treasurer of the MKCCC Board of Directors, and Ruth Goodman, the center's social worker. Their recognition underscores the importance of community involvement in sustaining and advancing the center's mission.

The fundraiser is made possible through the generous support of numerous community businesses and individuals. Sponsors include Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, The Benefit Shop Foundation, and several local families and businesses committed to supporting early childhood education and nutrition.

MKCCC's Feed Me Fresh curriculum, which forms the basis for the fundraiser, couples hands-on farming units with cooking classes based on seasonal offerings from playground gardens. This approach creates developmentally appropriate activities and projects for each age group, fostering a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits from an early age.

As MKCCC celebrates its 20th annual 'Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening' fundraiser, the event stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in supporting early childhood education and nutrition. By bringing together local culinary talents, sponsors, and supporters, MKCCC continues to work towards its goal of ensuring that every child in the community has access to high-quality care and education, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

Those interested in supporting MKCCC's mission and enjoying an evening of culinary delights can purchase tickets for the event at mkccc.org/fmftickets. The fundraiser not