By Michele Woodrow
The fourth annual Fall Extravaganza, sponsored by Generous Hands Inc. (GHI) to help raise funds for its nonprofit organization will take place Thursday, October 16, at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 S Sprinkle Rd. in Vicksburg at 6 p.m.
As a nonprofit, GHI continues to need funding in order to keep its organization afloat. For a $10 ticket donation, this year’s Fall Extravaganza participants will see a cooking demonstration by Chef Ryan Soule, the owner and executive chef of the Oakwood Bistro in Kalamazoo.
This is Chef Ryan’s third year at the Extravaganza and his food is delectable and not to be missed, according to Sheri Louis, executive director.
In addition to Chef Ryan, Natalie Fuller, the Cheese Lady at the Farmers’ Market, will demonstrate how to put a cheese board together as an appetizer, and Martha Stanley and Lori Brown of DeMarle at Home will show how to decorate chocolate using colorful chocolate decals. Light appetizers will be provided.
GHI just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and has grown in size and donors, assisting over 300 children in need during the 2013-2014 school year by providing weekend backpacks of food for local children in need.
GHI serves all five of Vicksburg’s schools, and has also started packing for Parchment, Colon, and the Paramount Charter Academy in Kalamazoo who furnish their own contents. The organization also provides backpacks to children during the summer months.
The Fall Extravaganza will also feature a silent auction. Louis said she is intrigued with the charming and unique items donated to this year’s auction, such as theme baskets, hand knitted baby sweaters, homemade pottery, paintings by local artists, blown glass, jewelry, quilts, and select gift cards. All donations to the auction will benefit the children served by Generous Hands Inc.
Louis thanks community members who have volunteered their time and hard work to put together this year’s Fall Extravaganza.
For advanced ticket sales, please go to www.generoushands.org or call 269-370-7965. There is limited seating, and this is one event not to be missed, she said. Generous Hands looks forward to its Fall Extravaganza each year to be able to connect with the community to help support their cause.