Cathedral Kitchen In Camden Offers Up More Than Just Food
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- More than 400 people showed up Friday night for the 9th Annual "Harvest for Hunger" fundraiser, which brings in much-needed cash for a long-running Camden non-profit.
Cathedral Kitchen has been serving hot and healthy meals to low-income Camden residents since opening it's doors in 1976.
"Cathedral Kitchen is actually the biggest provider of meals for people in need in the city of Camden," says Executive Director Karen Talarico. "Last year we did over 100,000 meals."
She says the organization also provides culinary arts training and free dental care, and that the wine tasting and auction brings in cash to support the non-profit:
"It raises almost one hundred thousands dollars, which is a really big part of our budget. A lot of work goes into it, trust me, but for us it's all worth it."
Talarico adds that money is all put to good use:
"For people who just come to our facility everyday, 6 days a week for a meal. We also do a culinary arts training program, and a baking arts training program. So we're training some people who don't have job skills, and trying to get them back into the workforce."
Guests at the event enjoyed fine wines, but Talarico says they also get a taste of Cathedral Kitchen's work:
"All the food here tonight has been prepared by Cathedral Kitchen students and employees, so it's a nice way for us to show off our programs."