Broadening our definitions and methods of connection has been a common theme throughout the pandemic—one that requires creativity and a commitment to purpose for non-profits like Accent Pontiac.
In order to live out its mission to support music education for youth and community in Pontiac, Michigan, the organization persevered by pivoting to “porch lessons” outside students’ homes and other modifications such as incorporating instrument covers that help limit the aerosol transmission when playing wind or brass instruments.
Reimagining the Fundraiser
It was also challenged to reimagine the approach to its vital annual fundraiser after being forced to cancel the 2020 event. For Spring 2021, the dedicated staff leaned in to lessons learned about the opportunities afforded when blending the digital and physical worlds.
Accent Pontiac and Chef Kelli Lewton of Two Unique Caterers conceived of a virtual cooking fundraiser called “Nibbles & Notes” to bridge the distance, in real time, and provide a form of nourishment we are all craving: connection to community and appreciation of shared experiences. Offering a delicious menu, take-home food box, and inspiring cooking lesson proved appealing to potential donors—from those who had used time at home over the past year to hone their cooking skills to local families that appreciated fresh recipe ideas and quality time around the table with loved ones. Participants could contribute and engage in various ways, whether choosing to prep ahead or simply plate-and-serve as they followed along while Kelli shared tips through the menu.
While Accent Pontiac is making music education accessible for the community, this activity helped make cooking accessible and fun for the participants. Kelli created a Spring-orientated menu with nibbles and noshes, encouraging a more communal style that lends itself to mixing and mingling.
Kelli finds this way of eating both comforting and gratifying, helping to demystify the concept of entertaining: “It’s communal and about sharing experiences. It’s not really about making the dip from scratch.”
She featured recipes that can be made in 5-15 minutes with easy advance prep, to reduce stress that might be a deterrent to entertaining.
“Make Your Own” (MYO) Concept
Kelli also offered many dishes that can be served at room temperature, so the host does not get stuck in the kitchen during the meal or event. For example, arranging “a fun deconstructed nosh bar presented with various flavored, bite-sized crostini; multi-grain, sourdough, pumpernickel, bagel or pita chips and upscale crackers.” This “Make Your Own” (MYO) Spring Smear Bar” allows guests to create their own personal little bite with menu items like Spring pea hummus or whipped brie with roasted balsamic strawberries. Other tasty dishes included asparagus flat bread, dill salmon skewers, crab stuffed eggs, and lamb chops with carrot top pesto.
Beyond cooking, Kelli seeks to give people permission to “MYO Party” (@myoparty). As part of the Accent Pontiac virtual fundraiser, she shared ideas for infusing your event with Spring décor as well as winemaker Ryan Clifford’s expertise in wine pairings celebrating light and crisp flavors.
Also a culinary educator, she says the platform she works from is about being inclusive. “We have to make it accessible. Take out the stuffy old rules, and let people imagine and be passionate about things. I think that would really encourage people to understand food. The more we can reach people through an easier way to do food, then the more they’ll be engaged. The more they are engaged, the more they’ll learn…After all, the beginning point for health is what you eat.” Kelli noted that the restaurant world, like many other industries, is rediscovering and reimagining itself in light of adaptations and benefits of increased digital ways to connect. “Technology is such an opportunity and a blessing, that we can reach each other and feel community through that.”
Looking ahead, she is considering cooking classes through social media and incorporating other forms of digital engagement. “It’s a very dynamic platform to raise our vibration and our message.”