A Sweeter Life: A Dessert Fundraiser Supporting Haley House’s Transitional Employment Program

Event info, text, and photo provided by the organizers: 

Joanne Chang, Nicole Cody, Maura Kilpatrick, Jiho Kim, Lee Napoli, Gus Rancatore and Elaine Stella lead the roster of chefs for A SWEETER LIFE: A Dessert Fundraiser Supporting Haley House’s Transitional Employment Program (TEP).

On Sunday April 29th, from 3 to 5 PM, at the Haley House Bakery Café in Roxbury’s Dudley Square, some of Boston’s finest dessert chefs will showcase their signature treats at a “tasting” fundraiser for Haley House’s Transitional Employment Program, supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration.  Featured chefs include Flour Bakery's Joanne Chang, Finale’s Nicole Cody, Sofra Bakery's Maura Kilpatrick, L’Espalier’s Jiho Kim, Chocolee Chocolate's Lee Napoli, Toscanini’s Gus Rancatore, and the Met Club’s Elaine Stella.

From 2-3pm, the pastry and dessert chefs will host a special meet & greet reception – an early-admission ticket ($100) is required for this pre-event.

Tickets for this dessert event ($40) and the pre-event reception ($100) are available online at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239036.

Two years ago, when Haley House was looking for a tenant for its retail space in the South End, Gus Rancatore of Toscanini suggested contacting Lee Napoli of Chocolee Chocolates.  Lee came through and set up shop in the space, selling her delicacies and teaching chocolate classes on Saturday afternoons in the Soup Kitchen.  She generously proposed the idea of gathering some friends to make desserts to support Haley House’s Transitional Employment Program, and the result is A Sweeter Life.

The Transitional Employment Program assists those recently released from incarceration by providing real-life employment opportunities in an atmosphere designed to ensure safety and stability. Participants are also required to pursue additional education, with tutoring and transitional support provided by other members of the Haley House Community.  The Transitional Employment Program upholds Haley House’s long tradition of creating opportunities for folks who are turning their lives around.

Since 1966, Haley House has responded to the challenges faced by the disenfranchised in our community.  Over the past 45 years, it has become a multi-faceted organization creating housing and jobs, promoting urban revitalization, growing food, and offering healthy meals to those with limited resources.  Haley House responds to the evolving needs of the local community while maintaining a long-term commitment to programs that foster health, hope and economic independence.

Be Our Guest Party Rentals is donating linens for this event.

Champagne for 2pm reception is being donated by Gordon’s Liquors.