Beyond the Plate

Beyond the Plate 2024

Mahler Hall was transformed into an elegant dining room and filled with 136 guests on the evening of Sunday, February 4, for the sixth Beyond the Plate dinner fundraiser in support of the Ithaca MobilePack for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). Ann Marie Eckert, our emcee for the evening, engaged and guided guests through the program. Guest speaker Brian Yeich of FMSC shared great information about where the meals we have packed here in Ithaca have been sent (countries including Haiti, Somalia, and the Dominican Republic), the impacts the meals have on the children who receive them, and FMSC's partner organizations in recipient communities around the world. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, chefs, guests, and supporters, Beyond the Plate raised $35,225! That's just over half the monies needed to pack 225,000 life-saving meals at this year's Ithaca MobilePack.



The evening included a five-course meal prepared by local expert chefs who shared their time and talents: Jay Dietershagen, Crossroads Bar & Grille; Sam Epps, Gola Osteria; Jen Irwin and Stan Walton, here. on Seneca Lake—formerly of Just a Taste; Greg Norkus, Mercato Bar & Kitchen; Rob McCloskey, Serendipity Catering & Bar; and a welcome drink prepared by Sam Holzbauer, Serendipity Catering and Bar. Wines for each course were presented by Karl Kernan of Triphammer Wine & Spirits.



We are grateful to the many volunteers who helped with event setup, cleanup, serving at the dinner, and working in the kitchen. Thank you to St. Catherine's staff and Craig Murray for your help and support. Beyond the Plate would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and the guests who purchased tickets to attend—thank you all! 


One generous example of an act of kindness resulting from the evening came from Greg Norkus, guest chef and restaurant owner, who felt inspired by the purpose and energy at Beyond the Plate: Mercato Bar and Kitchen and/or Le Café Cent-Dix will comp Fr. John's dinner whenever he is in either restaurant with other guests through May 2024. Thank you!
 

Beyond the Plate Sponsors

Course and Wine Sponsors
Mary Berens and Paul Feeny—Flamingo Fund, Community Foundation of Tompkins County
Cornell Pochily Investment Advisors, Inc.
Friends of Beyond the Plate—Bev & Greg Hartz, Bonita & Mike Lindberg, Lisa & Tom LiVigne, Judy & Mark Malys
Members of First Congregational Church of Ithaca and St. Catherine of Siena
Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP
Squeaky Clean Car Wash
St. Catherine of Siena Parishioners
Dave and Martha Stipanuk, IMP Steering Committee
Triad Foundation
True Insurance

Gold Sponsors
Ann & Curt Ashman
Susan Lustick & Lowell Garner
Dawn & Mike Redlin
The Kate Seaman Team
Serendipity Catering & Bar
Tompkins Community Bank
Warren Real Estate

General Sponsors
CP Foods
Jane & Jeff Doyle
Legacy Foundation
Maguire Foundation
Andrew Sciarabba
Triphammer Wine & Spirits

In-Kind Sponsors
Flower Fashions by Haring
Michaleen's Florist and Greenhouse
St. Catherine of Siena Church