Hundreds of supporters recently flocked to Perona Farms to support Project Self-Sufficiency at the 26th anniversary of northwestern New Jersey’s premier culinary fundraising event, A Taste of Talent. Patrons mingled with chefs from a record 58 celebrated area restaurants while feasting on appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The epicurean event raises funds for the non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon, and Warren. Volunteer musicians were on hand to perform during the event at various locations throughout the sprawling facility.
“A Taste of Talent directly benefits our neighbors in need, and is the cornerstone to our annual campaign,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are exceptionally grateful for the time, talent and resources provided by the Avondoglio family, and the many chefs and the musicians who have contributed to this event over the years. Once again, this community has demonstrated their steadfast support of our programs for low-income individuals and families.”
Participating restaurants included Andre’s Lakeside Dining; Angry Erik Brewing; Black Forest Inn; Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse; Cafe Pierrot; Capital Grille; Chesapeake Tavern; The Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe; The Circle; Clay Oven; Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream; The Copper Kettle; Cranky Noodles; Crossed Keys Estate; Crossed Keys Inn; Czig Meister Brewing; Emily’s Hearth; Fran’s Farmhouse Kitchen; Fromage, LLC; George’s Wine & Spirits Gallery; Giancarlo’s Bakery & Pastry Shop; Gourmet Gallery; Hayek’s Market; Hugo De Luca’s Italian Deli & Catering; Hunter’s Lodge; Indian Masala; Jersey Artisan Company; Jersey Girl Brewing; Jersey Rollz; Krave Caterers; La Vita Italian Specialties Deli & Catering; Mama’s Cafe Baci; Man Skirt Brewing; Millside Cafe; Mr. Crabby’s Seafood House & Sports Bar; Ninety Acres at Natirar; North Shore House; O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill; Pattycakes; Passionate Chef; Perona Farms; Polo’s Bar & Grill; Roasted Breadfruit Smokehouse & Grill; Rock Island Lake Club; Rusin Office Food; St. Moritz Grill & Bar; Seasons 52; South Sparta Cuisine; Springhouse Creamery; Stillwater Cafe; Sussex County Community College Culinary Institute; Upstream Catering; Windsor House Tea Room & Bakery; and Windy Brow Farms.
Rick and Laura Nifenecker, Café Pierrot, served as Culinary Chairpersons of this year’s event. Café Pierrot has participated in A Taste of Talent since the event was launched 26 years ago. “We love living in Sussex County and always wanted to stay involved locally through our work,” explained Laura Nifenecker. “We’ve been working with Project Self-Sufficiency and Taste of Talent from the beginning. We love to support Project Self-Sufficiency because the work they do truly makes a difference in peoples’ lives. I’m excited to see the organization succeed because that means they’re helping more and more members of our community see success in their own lives.”
Project Self-Sufficiency Board of Directors member Blake Ellman and his wife, Cathy, served as the Honorary Chairpersons of the 2024 A Taste of Talent. “Project Self-Sufficiency understands that there are many needs in our area that are not being addressed by other organizations, like homelessness and the lack of transportation,” commented Blake Ellman. “So many people are in need, but it’s more hidden in rural areas like Sussex County. “
Cathy Ellman added, “Project Self-Sufficiency’s help is comprehensive, and we admire how Project Self-Sufficiency can pivot and adapt to the changing needs of the community. The name says it all. They are helping people to become self-sufficient.”
“Since 1917, our family and team members have been proud to host countless weddings and special events,” remarked Bryant Avondoglio, Perona Farms. “A Taste of Talent is always a special evening for us as we welcome guests and industry friends to support the important mission of Project Self Sufficiency.”
Music was provided by a variety of individuals and groups, including the Colofonia Ensemble; New Sussex Symphony; Meant to Be; the Pro Tempos; the Skylands Dulcimer String Band; students from the Sparta High School Chamber Club; and the Sussex Brass Quintet.
Project Self-Sufficiency is a private, non-profit organization, empowering low-income families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and family stability in semi-rural, northwestern New Jersey. Since 1986, Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 25,000 families, including over 30,000 children. We offer a full range of services for low income single parents, teen parents, displaced homemakers, and two-parent families, including computer classes, resume preparation, help with interview skills, legal education, parenting workshops, help with emergency basic needs, counseling, case management, support groups, life skills preparation, financial workshops, family activities and childcare.
