The Sharing Table, Santa Maria Community Services’ first annual community dinner and fundraiser, took place April 13 at The Sanctuary in Lower Price Hill. The event offered a unique experience for all guests, while celebrating the community and raising awareness for childhood poverty in the area.
The fundraiser consisted of live music performed by local musicians, Santa Maria Youth Development Program Director, Jim Holmstrom, and Youth Development Program volunteer, Harold Kennedy. Dinner included bread and the option of three soups from a variety of 12 choices donated by local vendors: Don Pablos of Hyde Park; Hammann’s Catering; Ladles of Oakley; La Soupe of Mason, Veracruz Mexican Grill, and Matt Miele. In addition, guests enjoyed wine and beer tastings, non-alcoholic beverages donated by Kroger, appetizers, and desserts donated by Horchata, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and St Lawrence Bakery.
From 6-7pm, guests mingled around the thanksgiving-style seating in the recently restored church before taking their seats together. Programs and info cards donated by Kahny Inc. were placed at each seat and displayed pictures of children within Santa Maria’s programs, an infographic on poverty in the area, and a number of 2017 agency outcomes showcasing how Santa Maria is helping to eliminate poverty amongst Price Hill residents. Before dinner was served, guests heard from Molly Swaidan, a Santa Maria employee who spoke of her experience working with families in poverty throughout her time as a Bilingual Case Manager. Her story connected well to the evening’s focus on childhood poverty prevention.
The highlight of the evening were the 150 donated, hand-crafted bowls designed by local artists within the Cincinnati Clay Alliance. Bowls were displayed for purchase and proceeds from the bowls, ticket sales, and split-the-pot will benefit the programs and services of Santa Maria.
Santa Maria would like to thank all the volunteers and donors who helped to make the evening’s event a success, and would also like the thank the following sponsors for their contribution: Nehemiah Manufacturing, Cincinnati Children’s, First Financial Bank, the SC Ministry Foundation, Community Action Agency, PNC Bank, the Sisters of Charity, Warsaw Federal, Model Group, and the Northern Kentucky University Latino Programs and Services.
