Event Calendar
February 14, 2009:
4th Annual Gala Snowflake Sweethearts Ball
Plans for the 2009 Gala Snowflake Sweethearts Ball are nearly complete, and it's shaping up to be the most awesome event yet! Gala Chair Shelene Lochner is "dotting the i's and crossing the t's" and all of us at Cracker Box Palace are VERY excited about this special Valentine's Day Gala.
Our Gala fundraiser is more important now than ever before. With the addition of 14 horses, a donkey, goats, and rabbits taken in from two cruelty cases in Wayne County over the past month, the farm's animal care expenses are skyrocketing. The most recently rescued horses require some very special veterinary care due to the severity of their physical condition. Their emotional condition is something that only love and kindness from our volunteers can ever hope to remedy.
Once again, the Gala will offer wonderful, upscale items for our silent and live auctions. If you would like to make a donation for the auctions, please contact Shelene at slochner@marioncs.org or 315.576.6586. Your contributions are tax-deductible.
The Gala's dinner menu will, we hope, provide something for everyone...
Basil Polenta Ratatouille Portabello - a mélange of sautéed fresh vegetables served over polenta and topped with portabello mushrooms and fragrant fresh basil.
Stuffed Chicken Calabrese - chicken breast stuffed with roasted red peppers, prosciutto, fresh basil and mozzarella aside angel hair, topped with a vodka sauce.
Nome Tournedos - pan seared filet mignon smothered in a savory fresh horseradish and crab white wine cream sauce.
Cedar Plank Grouper - grilled seasoned Grouper served with a Jamaican relish topped in a mango/fruit sauce sauce. As always, if you have any special dietary needs or food allergies we will work with the chef to make sure your personal requirements are met.
* * * * * * WINE TASTING UPDATE! We're REALLY excited about this year's wine tasting reception that will open the evening at the Gala. We will be introducing the newest winery to open in Wayne County: Young Sommer Winery opened in Williamson in May, 2008, and the public's response to their wines has exceeded all expectations. Their Vidal Blanc and Cayuga White received awards at the New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Reds include a slightly oaked Cabernet Franc and their Sommer Breeze Semi Dry Red offers a blend of Cornell's Noiret and Corot Noir that finishes semi-dry. The real Stars of the Show at Young Sommer are their fruit-based wines, featuring farm-fresh Blueberries, Raspberries, Apricots, Peaches, and Blackberries Infused into Cayuga White and their Cherry-Traminette blend is out of this world. Apple wines also shine: Golden Delicious and Senshu are favorites, and they're finding it almost impossible to keep their Spiced Apple on the shelves. We will also have some exceptional New York State and other wines to sample from the private cellar of Friend of the Farm Lynne Montgomery; you'll recognize Lynne...she has provided tastings for our previous Galas and has offered to serve once again this year from her own private collection of wonderful wines. Lynne is involved in organizing international wine judging competitions and her knowledge and selections of wine will make for a fantastic tasting experience.
* * * * * This year's new Gala venue is Burnam's Canalside Restaurant located at the Quality Inn in Newark, NY. Rooms for Gala-goers have been specially priced at $69.00. Simply call 315.331.1344 to book your room. Be sure to mention the Gala Snowflake Sweethearts Ball to receive the $69 room price. A limited amount of rooms are available so call now! Why drive home when you can stay and party and enjoy Burnham's scrumptious Sunday breakfast buffet for only $9.00? Guys AND Gals...here's a chance to be a Valentine's Day Hero!
Take your sweetheart to the Gala, enjoy our wine tasting reception, elegant dinner, fantastic dessert, open bar, live music, and great auction items. You'll also receive complimentary photos of you and your sweetheart. Spend the night, have a great breakfast, and make this the most memorable Valentine's Day ever...and for a cause that will make your heart feel really good. Your Gala tickets and auction item purchases are tax-deductible. more information