I've had a couple different people suggest we should throw a BryonySeries fundraiser and cook various dishes from the "Bryony" cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."
While such an event is beyond the scope of my time right now, we did host one on Oct. 14, 2011 at the former Harwood Post in Joliet when we launched the brand.
The event was a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and we raised just under $1,400, not a whole lot, but very good for a grassroots fundraiser hosted by people with zero fundraising experience.
Here is the recap post from Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Highlights of the evening included the serving up of
"bites and nibbles" from the upcoming Bryony cookbook:
* Fried “O’Brien-style” potatoes
* Mini corn
dogs
* Black
Avocado Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips
* Corn Dip
With Homemade Tortilla Chips
* Cucumber and
Tomato Salad
* Marinated
Onions, Mushrooms, and Peppers
* Chicken
Salad
* Shepherd’s
Pie
* Stuffed Mini
Peppers
* Pork
Tenderloins with Cabbage and Kraut
* Vegetarian
Chili
* Pear
Mascarpone French Toast
* Toffee-Apple
French Toast
* Sweet Potato
Pudding
Many characters from the book--in period dress--served and
interacted with the guests.
Teen classic rock band, Street Worthy, represented the 1970s.
Romantic pianist/composer James Onohan symbolized the
Victorian era by playing, for the first time, original songs from the brand-new
Bryony CD, The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons.
Alas, red tape meant we had no books to sell, but we raffled
off one of two proof copies we received for $100, which we also donated to Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. We hope to have copies of
both the novel and the cookbook available SOON!
For those who missed the festivities (or are loath to see
them end), Bryony will be at the HS Healing and Wellness Center's first Pumpkin
Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 22. The day features tarot
readings, face painting, live music by James Onohan, pumpkin decorating, and
storytelling. The center is located at 3117 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. For
more information call 815-741-4386.
The following week, I will be at the same Healing and
Wellness Center from 4 to 5 p.m. reading Halloween stories.
Mostly, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed into the
success of VampFest:
The Bryony Team: Dulcinea Hawksworth, director of marketing
and event host/ coordinator; Tommy Connolly, media researcher and developer and
emcee; Sarah Stegall, web administrator and silent auction co-coordinator;
James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer; Virginia Schonbachler, silent
auction and raffle co-coordinator; Stephen James Tuplin of Echo White Fox and
Josh Siegers of JKS Productions for photography and videography; Heather
Frelichowski of Crafty Moms Inc for costume design, Harwood Post and especially
Mary Hischier, for supplying food, venue, and general guidance.
Vendors: Matt Coundiff of A Thin Line Tattoo, Vanna
Fleetwood of Dimensions Barber and Salon, Sandy Costa of Foo Tribe
Jewelry, HS Healing and Wellness Center,
Bryonycookbook contest winner Kathryn
Russ Dunlap and Rufio products, Andrea Rodriguez of Sugar Mama, Inc., and Valerie’s
Heavenly Scents.
Volunteers: Christopher Baran, Daniel Baran, Rebekah Baran,
Timothy Baran, Karen Bonarek, Rachel Bonarek, Rose Bonerk, Amber Cable,, Becky
Colwell, Noah Curl, Donna Krofta, Justin Ongenae, Carolyn Sallade, Bryony
cookbook contest winner Nola Sawyer, Rachel Schall
An especial thank you to Ed Calkins, Cal Graphics, Inc.,
Dawn Aulet, Fast Printing of Joliet, J and M Printing, John Heinz, and Street
Worthy; the members of the Heavenly Sinners Writer’s Guild for their
enthusiastic support and to Tommy Connolly and Virginia Schonbachler for
supplying, out of pocket, all the last minute and much needed items; and also
to Kosack’s Formalwear, Joliet Junior College theatre department, the P. Seth
Magosky Museum of Victorian Life for supplying costumes, all of our silent
auction donors, and those the generous supporters of the event.
If you'd like to be added to Bryony's virtual mailing list
for updates, please contact me at BryonySeries@gmail.com.
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