Slow Food Fundraiser: Girasole Dinner

Applications were due last month, with only 400 slots available for the whole country and the 225 chapters who were competing for representation. Amazingly, ten individuals from central Ohio have been selected by Slow Food USA as either delegates or alternates to represent the United States at Terra Madre in the fall…and, eight of these individuals are OEFFA members! 

The individuals selected are:
Jeni Britton-Bauer, of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams;
Warren Taylor, of Snowville Creamery (OEFFA member);
Dick Jensen, of Flying J Farm (OEFFA member);
Val Jorgensen, of Jorgensen Organic Farms (OEFFA member); 
Mike and Laura Laughlin, of Northridge Organic Farm (OEFFA members);
Chef Johnny Dornback, of Basi Italia;
Lynne Genter, founder of the Clintonville Farmers Market (OEFFA member);
Laura Zimmerman, Clintonville Farmers Market manager (OEFFA member); and
Therese Poston, of Naomi’s Garden (OEFFA member).

While delegates will have their expenses in Italy paid for by Slow Food, airfare is not included. So, Slow Food Columbus has organized several opportunities to bring the community together to help raise money to cover this remaining expense. 

Join Slow Food Columbus at Jorgensen Organic Farms for a midsummer dinner in a field of sunflowers! Tour the backyard that produces the mint for Jeni’s Backyard Mint ice cream and enjoy the bounty of Val Jorgensen’s sustainable farm. The event will begin with tours of the farm and then move to the barn for appetizers and drinks. After the happy hour, guests will proceed to a single long table shaded by rows of sunflowers, planted especially for this dinner, where you will enjoy a convivial Italian-style meal with musical accompaniment. A team of cooks and assistants, headed by American Culinary Federation Columbus Chef of the Year 2008 David Wolf, will produce a unique and unforgettable open-air experience.

Cost: $80 for Slow Food members, $95 for non-members