HARVEST FEAST AT SPENCE FARM

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When	September 27, 2009 04:00 PM September 27, 2009 07:00 PM September 27, 2009 from 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm
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by John E. Marlin — last modified July 10, 2009 01:36 PM

Spence Farm Foundation will be hosting a very special fundraising event on Sunday, September 27, 2009, from 4-7 pm. This unique tasting event will feature eight acclaimed chefs from Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, at the historic Spence Farm.

Spence Farm is located just south of Fairbury, Illinois, approximately 100 miles south of Chicago and 35 miles north of Bloomington/Normal, Illinois.

Using locally grown products, these world renowned chefs will create an array of delicious dishes to highlight their connections between their restaurants and small family farms in Central Illinois. Guests to the event will be able to visit with local farmers and chefs while tasting samples of entrees, desserts, and drinks at the individual restaurant tables.

Featured chefs include Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill/Topolobampo), Jason Hammel (Lula Cafe), Paul Kahan (Blackbird/avec/The Publican), Thad Morrow (Bacaro), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Mindy Segal (HotChocolate), Bruce Sherman (North Pond), and Paul Virant (Vie).

A special presentation will be given by Chef Rick Bayless, James Beard Award-winning chef, author of numerous award winning cookbooks, and host of acclaimed PBS series Mexico One Plate at a Time. Other events for the evening include opportunities to interact with local produce and meat farmers, live music by November Mondays, and a live auction featuring unique farm products and restaurant items.

The proceeds from this event will benefit Spence Farm Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the mission of teaching the art, history and practice of sustainable small family farming in America. This historic farm lends a beautiful and unique backdrop for educational programs of all kinds that show agricultural heritage while teaching the valuable sustainable techniques that keep small family farms alive and thriving in today’s world. Thousands of visitors, including school children of all ages, are reached through these educational programs each year.

Tickets are limited to the first 200 and may be purchased for $100 each beginning July 10^th, 2009, by contacting Kathy at Spence Farm Foundation at (815) 794-4178 between 11am and 7pm Mon-Sat. To learn more about Spence Farm Foundation’s mission and programs, see the website at

www.spencefarmfoundation.org.