A Taste of Talent: Signature Culinary Fundraising Event Supports Project Self-Sufficiency

Contact:            Deborah Berry-Toon                                                                                  

                         Executive Director, Project Self-Sufficiency

                         973-940-3500

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Signature Culinary Fundraising Event Supports Project Self-Sufficiency

Newton, NJ (April 1, 2025) – Northwestern New Jersey’s premier culinary fundraising event, A Taste of Talent, will be held at Perona Farms on behalf of local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency on Monday, May 5th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Patrons are invited to mingle with chefs from approximately 55 celebrated area restaurants while feasting on appetizers, entrees, and desserts.  The epicurean event raises funds for the non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, and Warren.  

Some of the many fine chefs and establishments which have signed on to participate in the event include Alias Brew Works; Andre's Lakeside Dining; Angry Erik Brewing; Bear Brook Valley; Bearded Baby Que; Black Forest Inn; Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse; Cafe Pierrot; Chesapeake Tavern; The Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe; The Circle; Clay Oven; Cliff's Homemade Ice Cream; The Copper Kettle; Crossed Keys Estate; Crossed Keys Inn; Curd & Cleaver; Czig Meister Brewing; Emily's Hearth; The Farmer's Daughter; Four Sisters Winery; Fran's Farmhouse Kitchen; Fratelli Bakery; Fromage, LLC; George's Wine & Spirits Gallery; Gourmet Gallery; Hayek's Market; Hugo De Luca's Italian Deli & Catering; Hunter's Lodge; Indian Masala; Jersey Artisan Company; Jersey Girl Brewing; Jersey Rollz; Krave Caterers; La Vita Italian Specialties Deli & Catering; Mama's Cafe Baci; Man Skirt Brewing; Marc Rusin; Millside Cafe; Mr. Crabby's Seafood House & Sports Bar; Ninety Acres at Natirar; North Shore House; O'Reilly's Pub & Grill; Passionate Chef; Pattycakes; Perona Farms; Roasted Breadfruit Smokehouse & Grill; Rock Island Lake Club; St. Moritz Grill & Bar; South Sparta Cuisine; Springhouse Creamery; Sussex County Community College Culinary Institute; Willow & Sage Catering; Windsor House Tea Room & Bakery; and others.

Sponsorships for A Taste of Talent range from $500 - $25,000; a limited number of tickets for individual donations are available at a cost of $300.  The event will take place indoors and outside at the venue.  Volunteer musicians will entertain guests by performing throughout the facility, including the Colofonia Ensemble, Deb D’Anne, Meant to Be, New Sussex Symphony, Pro Tempos, Skylands Dulcimer String Band, Sparta High School Chamber Club, and the Sussex Brass Quintet.

“A Taste of Talent has been our signature fundraising event and the cornerstone of our annual campaign since 1998,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Funds raised by A Taste of Talent make it possible for Project Self-Sufficiency to provide the programs and services necessary for families in northwestern New Jersey to attain economic self-sufficiency.  We continue to be humbled by the support we receive from the restaurateurs in our area, and we are looking forward to a delightful event.”

Project Self-Sufficiency Board member Rhoda Seider and her husband, Norman Seider, are volunteering as Chairpersons for A Taste of Talent. “We celebrate having been to every single A Taste of Talent event since 1995, totaling 25 in this century plus another five,” remarked Rhoda. “We are very proud to be a part of Project Self-Sufficiency’s untiring efforts and successes in making our world a better place.”

Kate and Rich Hashway, owners of Krave Caterers, are serving as Culinary Chairpersons of the event.  “We are so honored to serve as Culinary Chairs for this year’s A Taste of Talent,” commented Kate Hashway.  “We love to be a part of what Project Self-Sufficiency brings to the community. It’s a great organization and we will always keep coming back to A Taste of Talent in honor of Bev Gordon,” added Rich Hashway. 

Perona Farms is located at 350 Andover-Sparta Road, Andover.  To make a contribution to Project Self-Sufficiency, to obtain tickets to A Taste of Talent, or to find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.  

Chefs from more than 55 restaurants are expected to participate in A Taste of Talent at Perona Farms on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency (photo credit: Julian Huarte)

About Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency has assisted low-income individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey since 1986.  Services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include high school equivalency education, computer courses, employment skills training, job placement services, support groups, parenting classes, childcare and preschool, legal assistance and education, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs, like food and clothing.  For more information about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.

Event Description

Enjoy tastings of appetizers, entrees, and desserts from exceptional chefs, listen to extraordinary music, and support Project Self-Sufficiency's programs for low-income individuals and families at A Taste of Talent, Monday, May 6th, 6:00 p.m., at Perona Farms.