By Khalid Williams
Food Equity in Action
Last Saturday, the Connecticut community gathered for a night of celebration, inspiration, and a little bit of humor at the 12th Annual G.R.O.W Banquet hosted by the Doll’s House Foundation. With a lively atmosphere and engaging events, the night was a perfect blend of fun, inspiration, and smooth, engaging prose.
Doll’s House Foundation is a nonprofit that celebrates love through giving. Every year, we focus on a different area of opportunity in the public interest. 2024’s theme is “Generating Revenue and Organic Wealth: Eradicating Food Deserts”. Our mission is to create a circle of generosity that prioritizes health, wealth, and spiritual connectivity. By divine coincidence, some of our most timely and impactful themes were chosen years before. We select our yearly themes in five year blocks, and couldn’t have foreseen how urgent the issue of Food Security would become.
The evening kicked off with a vibrant networking session, setting the tone for an engaging night. Guests mingled, exchanged ideas, and made new connections, all while enjoying the bustling ambiance.
As the event transitioned into the main program, the silent auction took center stage. With donations from local favorites like Treva, Hasta Luego Friend, Mother’s Moss, The Grocery on Broad, Fire x Forge, Artisianna Olive Oils and Balsamics, Nelson’s Greenbrier Tennessee Whiskey, Tea and Tarot, and The Anchor Spa, the auction was a hit. The excitement in the room was palpable as guests eagerly placed their bids, hoping to take home some of the unique offerings. “Remember, every bid makes a difference,” the evening’s host reminded the enthusiastic crowd, adding a touch of smooth assurance to the proceedings.
Minister Pam Fairley then took the stage to deliver words of uplift. Her heartfelt speech resonated with the audience, bringing light into their hearts and hope into their lives. The announcement of the auction brought forth a wave of excitement as the winners were revealed to applause and cheers.
Dinner was a highlight of the evening, featuring sustainably purchased food prepared by the talented Chef Robert Lewis. The meal was not only delicious but also aligned with the values of the Doll’s House Foundation, emphasizing sustainability and community support. As guests savored each bite, they were introduced to the champions in food equity: Nancy Bowden from the UCONN Extension Master Gardner Program and Robin Saunders, Executive Board Member of the Dorchester Food Co-op, who attended in spirit. These incredible individuals are making a real impact in our communities, and their stories were both inspiring and enlightening.
Guest speaker Charles Christie captivated the audience with his dedication to community service. His vision for a better future is truly inspiring, and his words left a lasting impression. Charles Christie has been an advocate and front line operator in initiatives like Friends of Keney Park and held Keney Park Family Day for 25 years. Ever at the nucleus of Greater Hartford’s rich culture, Charles is now the president of the Greater Hartford Jazz festival and has lead the event to increasing visibility and success year after year.
The banquet also honored the grant recipients, individuals and organizations making a difference every single day. The crowd’s applause echoed their appreciation and support for these remarkable contributions.
As the night came to a close, Meredith Johnson, founder of the foundation delivered the closing remarks with an inspirational tone. “As we come to the end of our evening, let us remember the power of community. Together, we can achieve great things,” she said, leaving the audience uplifted and motivated.
And then, it was time to dance. “Let’s hit the dance floor and celebrate the amazing work we’ve accomplished tonight,” the announcement went, wrapping up the evening on a high note.
In addition to the evening’s festivities, the event highlighted the importance of understanding the food equity landscape in Connecticut. Food security means having consistent, reliable access to enough nutritious food to lead a healthy, active life. Yet, many communities face significant barriers to achieving this.
Terms like food deserts (areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food) and food apartheid (systemic inequalities leading to less access for certain communities) were discussed. Initiatives like Cultivating Justice are working towards food equity by supporting and training the next generation of farmers of color.
As Connecticut ranks among the top 10 wealthiest states, it’s shocking that nearly half a million residents struggle with food insecurity. Addressing this issue isn’t just about providing food; it’s about creating sustainable systems to ensure ongoing access to nutritious options. Improved health, economic stability, and community well-being are just a few of the benefits of tackling food insecurity.
In terms of societal issues, food insecurity stands out as one that has a direct impact on the overall well-being of individuals and communities. In Connecticut, nearly half a million residents struggle with food insecurity despite the state being ranked among the top 10 wealthiest states in the US.
Food insecurity is not just about hunger; it’s about access to nutritious and affordable food. Many communities in Connecticut face significant barriers to accessing healthy options, including lack of transportation and limited availability of fresh produce. This leads to high rates of diet-related diseases and health disparities.
Our job is to take these staggering realities and transform them into opportunities for growth, development and healing.
The 12th Annual G.R.O.W Banquet Hosted by Doll’s House Foundation: A Night to Remember
Doll’s House Foundation is a nonprofit that celebrates love through giving. Every year, we focus on a different area of opportunity in the public interest. 2024’s theme is “Generating Revenue and Organic Wealth: Eradicating Food Deserts”. Our mission is to create a circle of generosity that prioritizes health, wealth, and spiritual connectivity. By divine coincidence, some of our most timely and impactful themes were chosen years before. We select our yearly themes in five year blocks, and couldn’t have foreseen how urgent the issue of Food Security would become.
DHF presents annual grants to individuals ready to articulate their needs and outline their efforts for change. During the application process, applicants have the chance to share their mission and vision, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.
Last Saturday, the Connecticut community gathered for a night of celebration, inspiration, and a little humor at the 12th Annual G.R.O.W. Banquet hosted by the Doll’s House Foundation. With a lively atmosphere and engaging events, the night was a perfect blend of fun, inspiration, and smooth, engaging prose.
DHF also hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for our cause. The annual banquet is our biggest event, bringing together community members, leaders, and changemakers to celebrate and support the work being done in our communities towards food equity.
Understanding the Food Equity Landscape
In addition to the evening’s festivities, the event highlighted the importance of understanding the food equity landscape in Connecticut. Food security means having consistent, reliable access to enough nutritious food to lead a healthy, active life. Yet, many communities face significant barriers to achieving this.
Terms like food deserts (areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food) and food apartheid (systemic inequalities leading to less access for certain communities) were discussed. Initiatives like Cultivating Justice are working towards food equity by supporting and training the next generation of farmers of color.
As Connecticut ranks among the top 10 wealthiest states, it’s shocking that nearly half a million residents struggle with food insecurity. Addressing this issue isn’t just about providing food; it’s about creating sustainable systems to ensure ongoing access to nutritious options. Improved health, economic stability, and community well-being are just a few of the benefits of tackling food insecurity.
Benefits of Addressing Food Insecurity
Addressing food insecurity isn’t just about providing food; it’s about creating sustainable systems to ensure ongoing access to nutritious options. Here are some benefits:
- Improved Health: Access to healthy food reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- Economic Stability: When communities make the time investment of urban farming, the overall cost of nutrition decreases. Families spend less on the right foods, but also much less on the wrong foods. When we eat well, we feel better, spend less on healthcare and can invest more in education and other opportunities.
- Community Well-being: Stronger, healthier communities that are connected by a shared interest in a locally grown, nutritious food supply contribute to overall societal wellbeing. When there is planting to be done, idle hands are given a task that literally reaps tangible rewards.
Networking Session Kicks Off the Evening
The evening we started with a vibrant networking session, setting the tone for an engaging night. Guests mingled, exchanged ideas, and made new connections while enjoying the bustling ambiance.
Excitement Builds at the Silent Auction
The silent auction took center stage as the event transitioned into the main program. With donations from local favorites like Treva, Hasta Luego Friend, Mother’s Moss, The Grocery on Broad, Fire x Forge, Artisianna Olive Oils and Balsamics, Nelson’s Greenbrier Tennessee Whiskey, Tea and Tarot, and The Anchor Spa, the auction was a hit. The excitement in the room was palpable as guests eagerly placed their bids, hoping to take home some of the unique offerings. “Remember, every bid makes a difference,” the evening’s host reminded the enthusiastic crowd, adding a touch of smooth assurance to the proceedings.
Uplifting Words from Minister Pam Fairley
Minister Pam Fairley then took the stage to deliver words of uplift. Her heartfelt speech resonated with the audience, bringing light into their hearts and hope into their lives. The announcement of the auction winners brought forth a wave of excitement as they were revealed to applause and cheers.
Dinner Shines with Sustainability
Dinner was a highlight of the evening, featuring sustainably purchased food prepared by the talented Chef Robert Lewis. The meal was not only delicious but also aligned with the values of the Doll’s House Foundation, emphasizing sustainability and community support. As guests savored each bite, they were introduced to the champions in food equity: Nancy Bowden kildi But our impact goes beyond just one evening. We strive to build a lasting network of support and collaboration through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Together, we can create sustainable solutions that address systemic issues like food insecurity. UCONN Extension Master Gardner Program and Robin Saunders, Executive Board Member of the Dorchester Food Co-op, who attended in spirit. These incredible individuals are making a real impact in our communities, and their stories were both inspiring and enlightening.
Inspiring Words from Guest Speaker Charles Christie
Guest speaker Charles Christie captivated the audience with his dedication to community service. His vision for a better future is truly inspiring, and his words left a lasting impression. Charles Christie has been an advocate and front line operator in initiatives like Friends of Keney Park and held Keney Park Family Day for 25 years. Ever at the nucleus of Greater Hartford’s rich culture, Charles is now the president of the Greater Hartford Jazz festival and has led the event to increasing visibility and success year after year.
Celebrating Keney Park Sustainability
The evening also celebrated Keney Park Sustainability as the Organization of the Year, with Charles Christie speaking graciously on behalf of Herb Vertigo, who was unable to attend due to health reasons. His presence was felt through those in attendance who celebrated his enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability were evident, and his acceptance speech was both motivating and thought-provoking.
Honoring Grant Recipients
The banquet also honored the grant recipients, individuals and organizations making a difference every single day. The crowd’s applause echoed their appreciation and support for these remarkable contributions.
Tanica Walcott -Thompson @nattyrootsgardens
Ms Walcott has 2 decades of agricultural experience and has earned a Chemistry degree, which she fuses with her community-first mindset of abundance to bring forth Natty Roots Gardens. Her model of growing culturally significant crops to foster self sufficiency in Hartford, a community with severe food access challenges. Her passion lies in two powerful words she shared-cultivating change.
Melissa Emma- @wonderbeegardens
Ms Emma is driven forward by an empathetic mission that has translated into a blooming business-literally! Her own health challenges inspired her to explore herbal medicine and share her knowledge, skills and inspiration with others. Wonderbee She is in her final season as a Knox Urban Farmer, and her efforts have brought forth small-batch herbal tea blends and elixirs, as well as classes that empower her community in their own health-focused garden journey.
Inspirational Closing Remarks
As the night came to a close, Meredith Johnson, founder of the foundation delivered the closing remarks with an inspirational tone. “As we come to the end of our evening, let us remember the power of community. Together, we can achieve great things, We Are, Because of You” she said, leaving the audience uplifted and motivated.
Time to Dance
And then, it was time to dance. “Let’s hit the dance floor and celebrate the amazing work we’ve accomplished tonight,” the announcement went, wrapping up the evening on a high note.
Call to Action
The Doll’s House Foundation’s 12th Annual G.R.O.W Banquet was both a celebration and a call to action. This event marks the beginning of our continued focus on food insecurity and promoting independence. We are committed to highlighting and supporting organizations and farmers making a difference. For more information, please contact us at dollshousefoundation.com, and on Facebook and Instagram @dollshousefoundation
