Capital Roots raises $90,000 at 9th annual Autumn Evening in the Garden

Celebrating 40 Years of Fresh Food for All in the Capital Region

TROY – Capital Roots raised a record-breaking $90,000 (up 23 percent from the previous year) at their 9^th annual ‘Autumn Evening in the Garden’ gala held September 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.

The local non-profit hosted nearly 350 people, for whom 20 of the region’s top chefs and bakers created culinary samples using fresh, seasonal ingredients donated by 40 local farmers. Nine beverage purveyors were also on hand, serving samples of favorite local wine, beer and spirits. Guests mingled with chefs, farmers and friends during this strolling supper while listening to the sounds of the Neil Brown Jazz Quartet. The event kicked off the nonprofit’s 40^th anniversary celebration which will continue for the next year.

In honor of the anniversary, restaurateur (and local celebrity auctioneer) LeGrande Serras helped the organization raise $32,000 during the gala’s first ever live auction, supporting two of the organization’s seven programs.

Proceeds from the event benefit 51 Community Gardens, the Veggie Mobile®, the Produce Project, Healthy Stores, Squash Hunger and Capital Roots’ other programs – all of which increase access to fresh, affordable food in our region’s underserved neighborhoods.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 40 years of nourishing healthy communities throughout the Capital Region,” said Capital Roots’ Executive Director Amy Klein. “This is an exciting milestone for our organization. The gala gives us the opportunity to recognize our success, while anticipating what’s in store for the future.”

Photo Credit: Liz Lajeunesse

(Contact Rebecca Whalen for high resolution versions of photos and additional photo information­)

The 2015 Capital Region chefs and bakers featured at

Capital Roots’ 9^th Annual ‘Autumn Evening in the Garden.’

Representatives from Albany Distilling Company at

Capital Roots’ 9^th Annual ‘Autumn Evening in the Garden.’

Restaurateur LeGrande Serras (left) and Capital Roots Board President

Michael Whiteman (right)at Capital Roots’ 9^th Annual ‘Autumn Evening in the Garden.’

Capital Roots is a 40-year-old nonprofit organization that nourishes healthy communities with more than 50 Community Gardens, The Veggie Mobile®, Healthy Stores, The Produce Project, Squash Hunger and more. Capital Roots is headquartered at The Urban Grow Center, a regional food hub focused on urban agriculture and produce distribution to four counties, enabling Capital Roots to triple our ability to deliver fresh food and services to underserved neighborhoods and low-income families. Learn more at www.capitalroots.org.