PEOPLE & PLACES
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A Purpose-Filled Feast
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BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
On May 1, an estimated 130 attendees enjoyed drinks and a four-course dinner at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills to raise funds in support of the Welcome Center in Pittsboro where staff provide information about things to do and places to see in Chatham County. Guests could bid on auction items, which included a tour for two at Carolina Tiger Rescue, a variety meat package from Lilly Den Farm, a staging or design consultation by An Acquired Style and a six-course private dinner for 10. Some of the best local chefs, including Greg Lewis, Sera Cuni, Bill Hartley and Angelina Koulizakis-Battiste, organized 30 volunteer servers and prepared the meal with ingredients from area farms, craft breweries and distilleries. Ashlie Campbell organized the volunteers for the flowers and decor. Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, hosts of a food and beverage podcast, served as emcees, while Pittsboro-based David Quick’s Jazz Combo entertained the crowd with smooth jazz and vocals. The event raised $35,000 to help fund the information center, which offers concierge services helpful to longtime residents who want to keep up with changes as the county grows at an increasing pace. Newcomers, prospective residents and visitors regularly walk into the center to learn about area attractions, businesses, parks and recreation, entertainment, hospitality venues, educational opportunities and special events. Since the community-supported office opened in March 2021, nearly 3,500 people have visited from 45 states and seven countries, according to volunteer Paul Sacca. CM 12
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2022
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