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Davis Village Feast Fundraiser Returns

Davis Farm to School and Les Dames d’Escoffier Sacramento will collaborate again this year to host the Davis Village Feast, a fundraiser to raise money for their programs. The event will be held virtually on Saturday, October 9th from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. 

Registration for the event itself will be free, though attendees are encouraged to order food or bid in an online auction for various goodies, including drinks and getaways.

“The offerings in the auction are among the best we have ever had, including curated food, beverage, and farm experiences.”

Volunteers at Davis Farm to School, one of the beneficiaries of the fundraiser, dedicate their resources to promoting local agriculture, healthy eating, and garden-based activities among school-aged children in Davis.

“They plant a seed in their school garden and see it grow into a tomato,” wrote Co-Chair Ruth Coleman. “And then they see cherry tomatoes, sourced from local farms…at the salad bar at school lunch.” Pre-covid, classes would also take field trips to local farms like Fiery Ginger Farm and taste-test produce.

“A vegetable isn’t just something that appears on their plate,” Coleman adds. “They learn about the many people and steps it takes to grow and get food from the local farms to their plates, and how eating local food is good for your body and the community.”

Coleman first joined the organization because she wanted her own children, who attended school here, to “have access to a healthier diet that reflected the amazing agriculture that surrounds Davis.”

Les Dames d’Escoffier, the other beneficiary of the fundraiser, is a national organization that supports women in the culinary and agricultural industries. Rachael Levine, Treasurer for the Sacramento chapter, was originally invited to volunteer for the organization in 2016 and stayed because, “It is immensely gratifying to work with such a dynamic group of passionate and highly accomplished women.”

“The value of the friendships and partnerships I have forged within the group and the greater community while representing LDEI Sacramento are immeasurable,” Levine added.

But her favorite aspect of the work is knowing that it means more women can pursue their dreams. “I love receiving the thank you notes and graduation announcements we are sent from our scholarship recipients,” she notes, referencing the three $6,000 scholarships that Les Dames d’Escoffier hands out each year. “Knowing that we make a positive difference in the lives of women eager to begin or further their careers in the food and beverage industry fills my cup.”

This year’s fundraiser, like last year’s, will be held online. Anyone “can participate and learn about the exciting things going on with both organizations and support them financially,” says Coleman. She’s particularly excited for this year, she explains, because “The offerings in the auction are among the best we have ever had, including curated food, beverage, and farm experiences.”

“It represents an opportunity for Davis residents to slow down, have a nice meal, and support programs that directly benefit Davis kids,” she adds.

Everyone involved looks forward to eventually feasting in person again, but Levine finds a special charm in the online version. “I absolutely dig our online format and auction platform and, while I miss the grand luncheon in the park, this format, now in its second year, is wonderfully satisfying.”

In the meantime, says Coleman, “We hope people use this as an opportunity to connect to those around you for a safe, lovely meal,” and, of course, “bid on [the] incredible offerings” that support these causes.


The Virtual Village Feast is Saturday, October 9th, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register for free at https://thevillagefeast2021.eventbrite.com on Eventbrite – registration gives you access to information on ordering Village Feast inspired meals.

The Auction goes live September 25th at https://www.auctria.com/auction/VILLAGEFEAST.


Contributed to The Dirt by Sam Swank. Swank is a senior at UC Davis, double-majoring in Spanish and linguistics.

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