CLM Fall 2018

GIVING BACK
A Night of Giving
CHEF’S BEST DINNER
Benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
TEXT BY JESSICA ANNUNZIATA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM PETACCIA
There are few moments in life when you meet
someone, and you know you are in the presence of
greatness. When those moments do occur, there is
this assessing, scrutinizing and evaluating of your
own life. Scenes of past events flutter by to determine
whether you are worthy to converse with this
high-minded, noble of spirit individual whom you
have been fortuitous enough to cross paths with.
Every year for the last 29, The Chef’s Best Dinner
benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
Harris Teeter is one of the largest corporate sponsors,
and along with dozens of other benefactors, they
make this evening possible. I was honored to attend.
As I passed through the Convention Center’s
colossal doors, I followed the flow of fellow attendees
into the belly of the ballroom and on to the
check-in table. I furnished my name and was
thanked for my attendance. The exchange was so
sincerely warm that as I walked away, I did a doubletake
for another look at the sender of such kindness.
To my surprise, I was the recipient of the compassion
that CEO Kay Carter has showered on all she
comes in contact with. Regardless of whether it is
personally or indirectly, this woman moves mountains.
It is Ms. Carter's giving heart that makes this
event happen. No wonder she would be the person
ushering the guests into the room. What motivates
this lady is also what would make this a full circle
moment for her. We will delve further into Ms.
Carter and her tremendous capacity to serve in a
future issue of Charlotte Living.
Most interesting is how the funds and in-kind
contributions are funneled out to so many different
channels where the need is prodigious. If you have
been in Charlotte for any length of time, I am sure
you have heard of Second Harvest Food Bank of
Metrolina; although you may not be aware of its
scope in our community. The organization impacts
19 counties of both North and South Carolina.
Through education, advocacy and partnerships,
their goal is to categorically eliminate hunger.
In 2018, SHFBM distributed over 54 million
pounds of food to 700+ non-profit partner agencies
for those living below the poverty line, of which
74 | CHARLOTTE LIVING
Second Harvest CEO
Kay Carter at check-in
Guests enjoyed culinary delights
from Chef David Lucarelli of Vivaci,
Chef Stephen Schmitt of WP Kitchen
+ Bar and Chef Ryan Daugherty of
Fin & Fino.
188,000 are children and 41,000 are elderly. They are
the largest non-profit agency in the Charlotte region
with annual revenues in donations reaching a staggering
$84 million dollars. Agencies include soup
kitchens, emergency pantries, homeless shelters,
senior programs, veteran assistance organizations,
and animal rescue shelters.
Initiatives like the backpack program enable children
to receive nutritious meals sent home in their
backpacks for weekends and holidays when school
is not in session. There are 40 kid’s cafe locations in
the region, which are feeding sites for children. Food
shopping for low-income families happens through
a mobile food pantry. Giving kids the ability to think
and learn their curriculum at school is the goal.
Nearly 41,000 seniors in our area often must make
the hard decision between buying medicine or food
to eat. Boxes of nutritiously prepared food are sent
to homebound elderly in need. Mobile markets work
with senior programs in seven counties, all distributing
where the need is greatest. Veterans also receive