On Sunday, September 23rd, 2012, Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH will host “Toscana Fest” to benefit the hike for hope event for the Lazarus House homeless shelter, food pantry and transitional housing facility. Toscana Fest will take place outdoors in the new Tuscan Villa next to Tuscan Kitchen and in front of the new Tuscan Market, where an assortment of food and activity stations will be set up all afternoon for guest’s enjoyment. Families can indulge in delicious foods prepared by Tuscan Brand’s Corporate Executive Chef Edward Payne such as made-from-scratch breads, Panini, and fresh salads as well as homemade gelato. The various kids’ activities include face painting, music, games, prizes and more! All proceeds from the day’s event will be donated to the Lazarus House Ministries Inc. & Hike For Hope.
“We have been affiliated with the Lazarus House Ministries Inc. for over 15 years. I serve on the board for the Lazarus House and Tuscan Brands is committed and proud to support this important nonprofit. We helped develop their innovative Culinary Training Program into what it is today. We have brought in individuals as employees into our business and they have gone back to teach culinary classes and train others at the Lazarus house from their experience. This event is a great opportunity for the community to get involved and support all the great programs that the Lazarus house offers and to ensure that it will continue to do so,” said Joe Faro, Owner & Chief Food Taster of Tuscan Brands
In addition to enjoying a day of fun, guests will be able to register for the 13th Annual Hike for Hope walk by the Lazarus House. The annual event, held this year on Sunday, October 14th, 2012, begins and ends on the campus of Merrimack College and loops throughout Andover, MA. The family event brings together team leaders and community members to raise funds with a 5-mile pledge walk. Volunteers can register with their own teams, individually or can choose to join Faro and other Tuscan Brand employees on the “Tuscan Suns” team for the annual walk!
The Lazarus House Ministries help the head of households and individuals living in poverty regain their dignity and become self-sufficient members of the community by offering emergency shelter, food and clothing to people in crisis and then providing transitional housing, advocacy, health services, education and work preparation to permanently break the cycle of poverty. Currently 29% of the Lawrence, MA population lives in poverty. The Lazarus House Lazarus house helps over 200,000 families in need every year. Since opening its doors, more than 90% of families who have transitioned out of Capernaum Place havefound permanent housing and are working towards becoming successful, productive members of the community. Please visit http://www.hikeforhope.org for more information.
