With a four-course vegetarian and gluten free meal that delighted the palate and senses, the annual Herb Dinner at Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay in Margate raised $8,000 to benefit health and wellness initiatives of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. The meal featured culinary specialties including: Butternut Squash and Vegetable Scrap Soup with Kombu, Beet Hummus, Scallion Pancakes, Togarashi Crusted Tofu Fermented in Pumpkin Seed Miso, 7311 Chocolate Chunk Date Cookies, Pumpkin Bread and more.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Cookie Till, proprietor of Steve & Cookies restaurant, and advocate the importance of living a more sustainable, healthy lifestyle,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer. She added, “This event provides JFS with resources so we can continue to offer health and wellness programs within our community.”
The unique dining event brought together community members to enjoy an interactive discussion with Herbalist Gayle Gross and Nutritional Therapist Diane Melano who shared information about the growth, preparation process and nutritional benefits of each dish enjoyed throughout the evening. A special thanks to Michael Bray, of Passion Vines for donating wines, Gayle Gross for providing the herbal teas, Laura Engelmann for contributing the fresh eggs, Briana Bee from Enlightened Farms for supplying herbs, micro-greens and loose leaf tea, and James Andrew for donating the planter.
JFS Health and Wellness Initiatives provide numerous benefits to agency consumers including: physical activity, interaction with peers and healthy lifestyle, and diabetes education. The agency also partners with AtlantiCare to maintain a community garden in Pleasantville that offers fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit to community members.
As JFS continues with its fundraising endeavors, we are presently holding a Turkey Drive. There are three ways to contribute –
- For just $36, you can provide a family with a complete holiday meal including: Turkey or Kosher Turkey with all of the holiday trimmings to feed a family of five.
- Stuff a bag with all of the trimmings – mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, macaroni & cheese, string beans, corn, gravy and cranberry sauce.
- A $20 gift card to a local grocery store or monetary donation allows a family to purchase a turkey.
Donations for this fundraiser may be mailed to: JFS, 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402 or made securely online at: www.jfsatlantic.org. For more information regarding the Turkey Drive, contact Vanessa Smith at 609.822.1108, ext. 249 or vsmith@jfsatlantic.org.
About Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) encourages strong families, thriving children, healthy adults, energized seniors and vital communities. With dozens of program areas, JFS specializes in counseling, mental health services, homeless programs, vocational services, adult and older adult services and also hosts an on-site food pantry. The agency impacts 8,000 lives throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties each year.
JFS’ mission is to motivate and empower people to realize their potential and enhance their quality of life. In keeping with Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), JFS provides services with integrity, compassion, respect and professionalism regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or background.
For more information or to keep up-to-date with JFS events and programs, visit www.jfsatlantic.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
