ABOUT US

The tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti is almost too much for most people to comprehend. We have all watched the images on television and they are truly overwhelming. So much so, that we find ourselves unable to watch them for very long. The thoughts that come over most of us are “how can I help?” “What can I do?” “Is there any hope for these people, for this country?”

Many people make a donation to the Red Cross and feel better. Then they move on with their lives. And, unfortunately, our attention deficit disorder society loses interest and the people in Haiti, like those in New Orleans, are left to fend for themselves.

This tragedy can’t and should not be forgotten like yesterday’s celebrity hissy fit. So, we started thinking of ways that we can keep the plight of the people and the country of Haiti in front of people’s minds for a while longer.

Since we know that everyone likes to eat and there is a special dynamic that is created when people come together to share a great meal, we came up with the idea of a series of community based dinner parties to raise money and awareness of what is happening in Haiti.

So, with the help of some incredible chefs, a marketing guru, a talented graphic designer and the gracious folks at South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA., we created Hands for Haiti Now, a series of grass-roots events devoted to raising money over the next year for the people of Haiti.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

We will be hosting community dinner parties across the country to raise money and awareness for Hope For Haiti Now, the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s fund raising arm for the people of Haiti.

Some of the cities we plan to visit include:

Temecula Valley Wine Country – South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Los Angeles – La Boheme
Miami
Portland
Seattle
Vancouver
Chicago
Washington, DC
New Orleans
New York City
Boston
London

WHO IS DOING THE WORK?

The core teams of professionals overseeing Hands For Haiti Now are:

Leah Di Bernardo - Executive Chef - Delyte’s Fine Foods - Co-Founder
Regina Marston - President - Ideation Marketing, Inc.- Co-Founder
Dean Thomas - Executive Chef - South Coast Winery
Crystal Magon - Director of Sales & Marketing – South Coast Winery
Frances Packham - General Manager - South Coast Winery
Patricia Manansala - Sr. Sales & Catering Manager - South Coast Winery
Rose Watson - Event Planner
Elizabeth Sheehy - Principal - Sheehy Automotive Group
Kathleen Stemley - President - KJS Designs
Ric Krause / AC - New Media, Production - Media Compost
Lou Ann Fricke - Vice President - Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley

Under the direction of Leah and Dean, a team of professional chefs have been gathered together in each host city to direct the menu development and food preparation. Under the direction of Regina, a group of marketing and event professionals have also been tapped in each host city to coordinate the event with the local host restaurant and handle the local PR and marketing campaigns.

THE CHEFS

L. Delyte
Chef and Host of Delyte's Green Table
www.delytes.com

Kick off Dinner, South Coast Winery March 20th, 2010

Dean Thomas
Executive Chef, South Coast Winery
www.wineresort.com

Michael MacDonald
Executive Chef, Top of the Market
www.thefishmarket.com

Bernard Guillas
Executive Chef,  La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
www.ljbtc.com

Duncan Firth
Chef De Cuisine,  Barona Resort & Casino
www.barona.com

Dinner # 2 Los Angeles, California April 30th, 2010

Chef Christine Banta
Executive Chef, La Boheme
http://boheme.globaldiningca.com

Chef Whitney Werner
Executive Chef, The Beach Club

THE EVENTS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTH COAST WINERY RESORT & SPA
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California 92591
951.587.WINE (9463)
1.866.9.WINERY (946379)
www.wineresort.com

Hands for Haiti Now kicks off in the heart of Temecula Valley’s Wine Country at two-time Golden Bear Award winning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa with Chef Leah Di Bernardo of Delyte’s Fine Foods and Chef Dean Thomas of South Coast’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant leading a team of So Cal’s finest chefs to create a spectacular evening of food and conversation at the table.

Join us for a special evening with amazing local cuisine and award winning wines to celebrate the beauty and bounty of our region. Celebrate our blessings while we give to those who need it most, right now!

What:  A locally foraged five-course dinner paired
With wines from South Coast Winery

When:  March 20, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.

Where:  South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Temecula, CA

Cost:  $125.00  $100 per person (20% off)

RSVP:  Click on the PURCHASE TICKETS tab or call 951.694.3663

MENU:
Chef Leah Di Bernardo - Delyte's
Prawns N.O.L.A.
Creole sauced prawns, on grilled crostini with wild greens
South Coast GVR
 
Chef Duncan Firth - Barona Valley Ranch
Haitian Inspired Snapper, Griot, Picklese Plantain Chip Garnish
South Coast Dry Riesling
 
Chef Dean Thomas - South Coast Winery Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Shelton Farms Chicken “Deux Methodes”
Neuske Bacon, Parsnip Puree, Taggiasca Olives, & Garlic Chives
Paired with South Coast Winery Wild Horse Peak Sangiovese
 
Chef Michael Mc Donald - Top of the Market
Artisanal California Cheese Course
Paired with South Coast Winery Big Red Table Wine
 
Chef Bernard Guillas - Marine Room La Jolla
Dessert "Trilogy"
Kona Kahlúa Chocolate Tart
Fallbrook Macadamia Pot de Crème
Organic Blackberry Port Gelato

Entertainment: Bayou Brothers
www.bayoubrothers.net

Proceeds go www.hopeforhaitinow.org
Co-Sponsor:  Slow Food Temecula Valley

CONTACT US

For information on Sponsorship:

Regina Marston
regina@handsforhaitinow.org
321.231.9353

 

For information on Dinners:

Leah Di Bernardo
leah@handsforhaitinow.org
323.376.1799

 

To Volunteer:

Rose Watson
rose@handsforhaitinow.org
951.296.7427

PURCHASE TICKETS

Dinner Tickets - Enjoy a five-course dinner and wine pairing ($125.00 $100 - 20% OFF)

Table Tickets - Save $50.00 on a table for 10 people ($1,200.00)

Sponsorship - Show your support for the cause by becoming a sponsor ($5,000)

Sponsorship Package - Sponsorship Information (PDF)

 

Slow Food of Temecula Valley endorses Hands For Haiti Now and as a Non-Profit 501(c) organization is processing all payments for "Hands For Haiti Now".  All proceeds go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org