Foodies tuck in at Habitat for Humanity fundraiser

Aug 21, 2013

One local guest, who paid the $125 ticket price for a fundraiser to assist with the funding of the first Habitat for Humanity build in Central Frontenac, said that the fundraiser dinner that took place at Seed to Sausage on August 16 offered up some of the best food she has ever tasted

One local guest, who paid the $125 ticket price for a fundraiser to assist with the funding of the first Habitat for Humanity build in Central Frontenac, said that the fundraiser dinner that took place at Seed to Sausage on August 16 offered up some of the best food she has ever tasted. The fundraiser was the brain child of Mike McKenzie, co-owner of Seed to Sausage in Sharbot Lake. He felt that the fundraiser would offer him a great opportunity to practice the “ethical” side of his business. “Members of the Habitat team approached me asking for a donation for the build in Tichborne and since I did not have the money to donate I instead offered up the idea of holding a fundraising event here. I do know a lot of fantastic people in the food and beverage business who I knew could bring in a lot of people in for a fundraiser event, ” McKenzie said.

The fundraiser took place in the Seed to Sausage Quonset space and attracted over 100 diners, many of whom werebused in from Ottawa and Kingston. It showcased entrees prepared by six well known chefs, some of the hottest names in Ottawa and Kingston area restaurants. Derek MacGregor of Le Chien Noir served up a grilled beef heart appetizer; Peter Robblee of Juniper a feta, melon salad course; Michael Blackie of Next prepared a hickory smoked black cod; Clifford Lyness of Brookstreet, a pan roasted smoked duck; Michael Moffat of Beckta Dining and Wine a wild mushroom dish, and Michael Holland of Atelier a very fancy cheesecake with blueberry compote accompanied by numerous other sweet treats.

Jeff Taylor, along with staff from Harvey and Verns Old Time Soda, prepared fancy drinks and handed out free sodas and there was also a cash bar on site, with all proceeds also going to the Habitat build. The diners who were bused in from Ottawa and Kingston also enjoyed a cheese tasting on the drive up to Sharbot Lake, courtesy of Pan Chancho and Serious Cheese, and were also introduced to Habitat for Humanity and specifically the Tichborne build. Once at Seed to Sausage guests enjoyed lavish chaceuterie appetizers courtesy of Seed to Sausage, an art show courtesy of Cube gallery and artist Russell Yuristy, plus live music courtesy of the Evening Hymns of Mountain Grove.

Locals were well represented at the event and the owners of Lake District Realty in Sharbot Lake were major sponsors. Allison Robinson of LDR, who was in attendance at their reserved table for 10, said she was pleased to be able to support both local businesses and Habitat's Tichborne build.

Ron Darling, chairperson of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, spoke at the event and said he was extremely pleased with the turn out. He credited McKenzie both for initiating and organizing the event for the local build. Darling also said that he and his staff are currently looking for local community volunteers to assist with the build. “Once the house arrives here we will be looking for volunteers to help finish the house. There will still be a lot of work to be done, which will include doing things like drywall, plumbing, electrical, insulation and more.” Anyone interested in volunteering their time and know how for the build can contact Habitat for Humanity volunteer coordinator Kelly Squire at 613-548-8763