Community shares local food at farm-to-table fundraiser
Colorado weather in June often turns on a dime, bringing a full four-seasons’ worth in a matter of hours. The weather window opened on June 7, just as final touches were being made for the annual fundraiser “Dinner in the Garden”, benefiting regional nonprofit, SOIL Sangre de Cristo.
As if by magic, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and the pastoral farm setting of Rocky Mountain Garlic, just west of Salida was bathed in a late afternoon glow, worthy of an Impressionist painting. After enjoying a quick tour of the farm, greenhouses and chickens, the sold out-crowd of generous supporters took their places while enjoying dramatic views of the Saguache Range.
“We are living in a world filled with many daily concerns and broken ties to the land and our neighbors. Being here together in this lovely place manifests our vision of the type of community we want for our future,” said PJ Bergin, Chair of SOIL Sangre de Cristo.
Dinner raises over $4,000 for revolving loan fund
Thanks to the support of individuals, corporate sponsors and in-kind donations from those who believe that local, sustainable agriculture is a valuable asset in our community, the 2023 event cleared more than $4,000. Money from the annual event is plowed right back into helping local people produce fresh, healthy food here in the South Central Colorado region.
“Farmers matter, ranching matters”, says Bergin. “Farmers Markets are great and we all enjoy their seasonal treats. However, food producers need tools, equipment, storage, and other costly infrastructure year-round,” she added. “Often they lack access to capital, where even modest sums makes a big difference.”
Asparagus and garlic scapes start off SOIL Sangre de Cristo “Dinner in the Garden”.
Photo by Dakota Revack, Immortal Imagery Colorado
“We used to grow most all of our own food here and in neighboring valleys, but much was lost to industrial growers and supermarkets that make us captive to suppliers many hundreds of miles away. Today, shortening the supply chain and keeping our precious soil and water resources thriving with regenerative farming practices is more important than ever,” Bergin emphasized.
The SOIL Sangre de Cristo revolving loan fund provides zero-interest loans to farmers, ranchers, and food producers. To date, over $41,000 has been loaned out to support sustainable food producers in Chaffee County and the San Luis Valley.
While the annual dues of investor-members “seed” the loan fund, the farm-to-table fundraiser provides a boost to grow the fund and open it up to more farm projects.
All-local foods and culinary talent featured
Local quinoa, King Trumpet, and Blue Oyster Mushrooms accompany rosemary-crusted beef, braised pork shoulder, sauteed chard, kale, and braised turnips. Photo by Dakota Revack, Immortal Imagery Colorado
With a “Legacy of the West” theme, Buena Vista creative, Chef Eddie Sandoval (Asian Palette Catering and Special Events) and his team designed and catered a menu from a market basket of late-spring favorite ingredients, all harvested by local producers.
The feast highlighted producers Rocky Mountain Garlic, Tumbleweed Bread, Elevation Farm & Orchard, Trout Creek Farm, Poncha Creek Gardens, Sweet Pea Farms, Badger Creek Ranch, White Mountain Farm, and Alpine Valley Mushrooms.
Guests were further refreshed with wines from another prime agricultural valley nearby; Paonia, Colorado’s West Elk AVA wineries, Azura Cellars and Stone Cottage Cellars. Sparkling waters from Salida-based, DRAM also helped quench thirsts.
A mouth-watering array of arugula and green garlic pesto on Ute corn anadama bread, spinach and pea soup, braised pork shoulder, rosemary-crusted beef roast, braised turnips and quinoa salad made for colorful plates — and that was even ahead of the dessert course.
Before describing each of the courses, Chef Sandoval spoke from the heart. Saying “I am humbled and honored that we were part of this very special dinner…celebrating local farm partners that we depend on.”
And dessert, just in time…
Chef Eddie Sandoval, PJ Bergin and Tiffany Collette reflect on SOIL Sangre de Cristo “Dinner in the Garden” fundraiser. Courtesy photo
While the nearly-sated guests had hoped to linger a few minutes longer, signs of June’s fickle weather came rolling in again, bringing all good things to a timely end.
Dessert had been pre-planned in compostable “to-go” containers for those who wanted a treat to bring home. A ginger-rhubarb sorbet from Rocky Mountain Garlic with Tumbleweed Bread’s salted rye shortbread cookies provided just the “digestif” to close out a fine meal.
A community of volunteers and business sponsors join hands
Rocky Mountain Garlic’s generous offer to use their farm, made the perfect setting. Tiffany and Mike Collette’s farm is the product of years of hard work and passionate efforts to bring local communities fresh, nourishing food farmed in a manner that supports our fragile environment.
Rocky Mountain Garlic’s Mike Collette (left) and Patrick Collette greet guests at SOIL Sangre de Cristo fundraiser dinner. Photo by Dakota Revack, Immortal Imagery Colorado
The Collette team was “all hands on deck”, setting the stage, providing tents, tools and the hard work to get it done. Their bounty is available every Saturday at the Salida Farmers Market and at their newly-expanded on-site farm market.
SOIL Sangre de Cristo is also grateful for the support offered by area business sponsors. They offered thanks to their mentor, the Slow Money Institute, High Country Bank, Pinon Real Estate, Bunny & Clyde’s, Salida Mountain Sports, Kim’s Gym, Central Colorado Law and YOLO for their generous contributions.
SOIL Sangre de Cristo welcomes new investor and farmer members year-round to keep the heritage of ranching and farming alive in our region for generations to come. And, if SOIL’s mission is inspirational, those interested in helping plan future SOIL activities may consider sharing their skills in marketing, nonprofit management and fundraising.
Featured image: “Dinner in the Garden” fundraiser for SOIL Sangre de Cristo. Photo by Dakota Revack, Immortal Imagery Colorado
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