Meals in Meadow fundraiser a success for The FARM Institute

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Marina Natichioni greeted guests with margaritas. — Photo by Susan Safford

It was truly a homegrown evening put on by The FARM Institute (TFI) last Saturday evening, July 16, at their annual Meals in the Meadow fundraiser, from the food to the entertainment and auction prizes.

More than 200 guests turned out for the benefit, which started with cocktails and silent auction bidding, and strolling the property to meet a variety of animals, from ducks to cows. A dinner buffet followed, catered by Buckley’s Gourmet Catering, that featured TFI beef and turkey, served with sides such as squash, potatoes, and salad.

Following dinner, auctioneer Paul Traverse got the crowd bidding on everything from portable chicken coops (10 winners received coops for 1 week each that raised $4,455 total), a pig-roast for 50 people catered by TFI and Walter Morrison (which went for $7,000 plus $2,000 more for extra guests), and the big winner: a party for 50 with music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, catered by Alex Schweitzer of Coastal Catering, who catered Meals in the Meadow, with a tent from Seaside Celebrations (which two winners won for $5,500 each).

The night ended with strawberry shortcake and dancing to Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish; all in all a perfect summer evening.

“We are pleased to say we reached all of our financial goals and had a good time,” said Cathy Verost, TFI’s development manager.