FEAST, NO FAMINE

Heifer International raises money with fun in the field

Dark clouds and a few sprinkles failed to put a damper on Heifer International's annual Feast in the Field, a fundraiser to aid Heifer USA in its support for small-scale farmers.

Guests once again donned the customary white attire and flocked to the sold-out event, held June 8 on the campus of the poverty-fighting organization and chaired by Garry Parrish.

A Farmers Market reception featured cocktails; a petting zoo, featuring Heifer's livestock, to help encourage "buy an animal" donations to help Arkansas farmers; music by the Finch Family Trio; and hearty appetizers prepared by chef Matt Bell.

The "farm-to-fork" dinner, served under the agency's pavilion, featured root salad; 24-Hour Braised Short Ribs with Warm Melted Tomato Compote; Grilled Rock Town Bourbon Brined Chicken Thighs and Legs, braised collard greens, summer squash and bacon and roasted beets strudel. Dessert was ice cream from Loblolly Creamery.

All meat and produce came from New South Produce Cooperative and Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative, both beneficiaries of Heifer USA, as well as Cypress Valley Meat Co. Dining tables were decorated with vases by Pine Bluff glass artist James Hayes, available to guests for $200 apiece.

Elicia Dover and David Bazzel co-hosted the dinner program, which included opening remarks from Bob Bloom, Heifer's chief financial officer. Cody Hopkins, who serves as general manager for Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative, spoke of his farming efforts and his cooperative as well as Heifer USA, which was also showcased on video.

An auction was also held, as well as a drawing for several raffle prizes. The evening concluded with dancing to the sounds of the GroanUps. Attendees received live plants and T-shirts as parting gifts.

High Profile on 06/17/2018

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