Unique Fundraiser Supports Services for Low-Income Families

Men and women recently gathered on the grounds of the Hudson Farm Club, a 3,800 acre hunting preserve in Andover, followed by a five-course, gourmet feast at Andre’s Restaurant, to raise funds for Project Self-Sufficiency, a non-profit agency specializing in services for low-income families. Participants of all skill levels were invited to shoot at an assortment of over 100 clay targets at 20 different locations throughout the sprawling grounds of the Hudson Farm Club. The day was capped with a 5-course, gourmet dinner prepared by renowned chefs Kirk Avondoglio, Bradley Boyle, Andre de Waal, and Tim Harder at Andre’s Restaurant in Sparta.

The Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering is one of the cornerstone events of Project Self-Sufficiency’s annual campaign, noted Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Raising funds to operate programs for the low-income families served by Project Self-Sufficiency is crucial to our success. We are extremely grateful to the four chefs who have shared their time and talent with all of us, and we offer special thanks to the Hudson Farm Club for hosting this event year after year.”

Patrons at the Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering had the option of participating in the all-day event, or just the dinner alone. A special shooting clinic was recently added to the beginning of the course so that novices could learn to safely use a hunting rifle. Afterwards, participants gathered at Andre’s Restaurant for the evening meal, which included hors d’oeuvres, salad and soup, fish, meat, and dessert. Each course was paired with a wine chosen specifically to complement the food. The four chefs who provided the food for the Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering have volunteered their services for the event each year. The group collaborated on the hors d’oeuvres course, with the remaining courses provided individually.

Sponsors of the event included The Hudson Farm Club; Beverly and Bruce Gordon; Henry O. Baker Insurance Group; Legacy Studios; Gregory and Susan Murphy; Rhoda and Norman Seider; and the Selective Insurance Company of America. Sponsors of individual stations included Alberto & Cho Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group, LLC; Eastern Propane; George’s Salvage Company; R.G. and B.W. Huber; William C. Moynihan, Stifel Nicolaus & Company; Gregory and Sue Murphy; Nisivoccia, LLC; Shop Rite/Ronetco Supermarkets; Vince Signorelli and Hilary Kruce; and Robert Soldoveri, Whispering Pines Enterprises.

All proceeds from the Harvest Shoot & Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering benefit Project Self-Sufficiency, a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 20,000 families, including over 30,000 children. To make a donation, or to find out more about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.