Farm to Table
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills held a Farm to Table fundraising event. The event, with 49 sponsors and 220 guests, raised $444,883. It was a joyous occasion, planned by event chair Jodi Keller with the Development staff and an extraordinary group of her friends, and brought to reality with the help of the entire community.
Meeting new friends at the Community Gathering Marketplace.
Photo by Morgan Horell
The event began at 4 p.m. as guests came through the Kepler foyer to the patio where they received specially made “shopping bags”, each with the guest’s name and table number, and proceeded to the Community Gathering on the green. Greeted and welcomed by our community members wearing specially made name tags to identify them as such, with the strains of the Jason Newman ensemble’s music in the background, the guests wandered among the umbrella covered, festively decorated booths and refreshment tables and serving areas.
Wendell and Nina - Photo by Morgan Horell
There was a booth for each of Weavery, Pottery, Mosaics, Woodworking, Fiber Arts, Bakery, Herb Garden, CSA Garden and Dairy (including a penned area with a peacefully observing cow and calf). Booths included, in most cases, a demonstration of the work of wool spinning, clay bowl making, wood carving, seed sorting, etc. – and displays of finished goods and products for sale to fill the shopping bags that had been supplied. Guests and community members mingled and chatted – introductions were made and acquaintances renewed.
The Community Gathering Marketplace - Photo by Morgan Horell
Around 5:30, guests made their way to the tent and found their places at one of the twenty-three beautifully decorated tables, each with an arrangement of fresh flowers in a rustic wooden box made for the occasion in our woodshop and Estate. Background music provided by classical guitarist Joseph Ehrenpreis wafted over the sounds of animated conversation.
The Farm to Table Dinner - Photo by Morgan Horell
The evening’s program opened with board chair Patrick Boova’s welcome, followed first by the viewing of a beautiful video created for the occasion by videographer Eric Martin, then eloquent remarks by event chair Jodi Keller, and finally a blessing of the meal, Camphill style, by our executive director Felicity Jeans.
Michelle, Felicity and Mark enjoying a moment together at dinner. Photo by Morgan Horell
The serving of the first course of the dinner, prepared by Wilmington-based chef Gerald Allen, was followed by remarks on the evening’s honorees. Sherry Wildfeuer spoke of the life and legacy of Shannon Chamberlin, a beloved friend of the community who was perhaps best known through her Ideas Bookstore in Kimberton, dedicated to books, readings and discussions on topics in anthroposophy.
Guests enjoying good food and conversations. Photo by Morgan Horell
Diedra Heitzman spoke of our community’s long-time friend, Terry Brett, and the regenerative agriculture movement that he supports and embodies, introducing a video portrait, this one also produced by Eric Martin for the occasion. After the main course of the dinner, Development Director Robert Martin made brief remarks, asking the guests to “keep us in your thoughts and come back soon.”
Another scene of dinner under the tent. Photo by Morgan Horell