L to R: Jacki Spinelli (Chester Food Pantry Director), Fran Epstein (ceramic artist), Sarah Borda (Mama's Grace co-owner), Gail Mardfin (graphic designer/artist)

Some of the original bowls created and donated by Francine Epstein

Click on poster above for enlargement - spread the word!

BOUNTIFULL BOWLS: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO BENEFIT THE CHESTER FOOD PANTRY

Save the date!!
Coffee House - November 4, 2009 - 7-9:30 PM • $12

Handmade bowls, food, art, and music are all part of the recipe for the collaborative fundraising effort for the Chester Food Pantry, known as BountiFull Bowls.  For the second year in a row, Mama’s Grace Café, 52 Main Street Rear, in Chester, will sponsor the multi-faceted project.

Sarah Borda, owner of the three-year-old family business Mama’s Grace, explains, “BountiFull Bowls was a wonderful effort of love last year, which raised nearly $3000 for our local food pantry, so I called my artistic friends Fran Epstein and Gail Mardfin into action once again.  We’re all looking forward to experiencing the support and involvement of so many community members and customers for a second great year!”

BUY A BOWL - FEED A FAMILY
Visit Mama’s Grace Café between now and Thanksgiving to select and purchase a one-of-a-kind soup bowl created by Chester ceramic artist and teacher, Francine Epstein.  The individually decorated and glazed bowls, donated by the artist, may be purchased for $20, 100% of which will support the Chester Food Pantry.

FOOD COLLECTION POINT
Mama’s Grace will also serve as a collection point for non-perishable food items for the food pantry, from now throughThanksgiving. Peanut butter, canned fish, powdered milk, dried beans, macaroni and cheese, flavored rice, and baby food are all welcomed items.

BENEFIT ART SHOW
Beginning in November, a benefit art exhibit will be featured at Mama’s Grace, called "Mmmm Mmmm Soup!"  featuring several mixed media paintings by Bernardsville artist Gail Mardfin.  The 24x36 poster-style art works “with a definite nod to Andy Warhol” are for sale, with profits going to the Chester Food Pantry.

COFFEE HOUSE NOV. 4TH
On Wednesday night, November 4 (when the café is normally closed), Mama’s Grace will host a benefit Coffee House featuring recording singer-songwriters Mef  Gannon and Angela Adams, Christy Segale and Lisa Deane and the Dirty Blondes Band, Matt Baldwin (singer-songwriter from Sergeantsville), and other musical talent.

The evening will be comedically hosted by artist Gail Mardfin, and a number of gift certificates and items will be raffled off throughout the evening, included in the cover charge. 100% of the $12 ticket will go to the Chester Food Pantry.  Last year the 7:00-9:30 PM coffee house brought in an overflow crowd, so it is advised that people arrive by 6:45, when doors open.

CHESTER FOOD PANTRY
The Chester Food Pantry, directed by Jacki Spinelli, is an all-volunteer organization truly dependent on the generosity of the community. With roots in holiday food collections since 2001, the food pantry required greater organization and dependability and in 2004 moved to its current location on Chester township property on North Road. The food pantry serves families in need in Chester, as well as Long Valley and Flanders. “We do not turn anyone away that demonstrates a need for this supplemental source of food and necessities,” explains Spinelli.

For more information about the coffee house, call Gail Mardfin at 908-696-1363.  To learn more about the Chester Food Pantry, call Jacki Spinelli at 908-879-2548.