Category: Eats

Serenitee Management, owners of Latitude43, Minglewood Tavern and Alchemy Bistro in Gloucester, as well as Cala’s in Manchester-by-the-sea, 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Backstage Bistro at NSMT and Hale Street Tavern in Beverly Farms renews its commitment to community with the second annual “Spirit of Community” Fundraising series – a winter-long effort to give back to the towns they serve. All six restaurants will host events that both honor community groups and leaders who go the extra mile and help to raise funds for the continuation and growth of important community resources.

The list of events is large and growing and the excitement around collaboration with organizations like the YMCA, HAWK, and Gloucester Education Foundation, local rotary clubs, National Autism Awareness and many other local and national causes has re-enforced the importance of sharing in the work of raising a village. “We are very excited to put our energy into supporting the needs of our communities, those same communities who have supported us throughout the years with their continued patronage, “says Jennifer Goulart Amero, events and marketing manager for the group. “The staff couldn’t be more excited about the events we have planned and about the potential to make a huge impact on groups that are such an important part of what makes a town a community, and who are suffering the most at the hands of a tough economy. Everyone likes to have a good time for a good cause.”

Community focus is the cornerstone of the group’s evolution. Mark McDonough, owner of Serenitee Restaurant Group with partner, chef Jeff Cala was a founding father of both Timebanks and the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market. From hiring local builders and electricians to decorating with local art, acting locally is central to every step they take. Says McDonough of his reasoning, “I create restaurants that create community. Breaking bread and passing plates with friends is what the whole dining experience is about. Finding ways to expand on that idea by creating meals that create conversation and both build and support the idea of community seems like exactly what we should be doing”.

Last year’s events included Ladies’ Night for HAWC at 15 Walnut in Hamilton, a benefit for Cape Ann Timebanks featuring Groove at Alchemy, Hale Street Tavern’s IheartHale Street PROM to raise money for the a Beverly High School Scholarship fund, several 10% back smaller group events and the conclusion of the series on April 29 – “Celebrate Gloucester” a major event to celebrate life in Gloucester, to honor community heroes and to raise much needed funds for the Gloucester Fishermen Athletics Program.

Year round events have been added to the year two Spirit of Giving calendar including The Alchemy of Art series at Alchemy restaurant which debuted in mid-November, celebrating the artistic spirit with a focus on education. Each month a local artist’s work will be shown, promoted and available for sale, with a 10% donation from each to the Gloucester Education Foundation (GEF), a group dedicated to bridging budgetary shortfalls in areas like arts and music. A year-end gala auction will wrap up the series with 100% of proceeds being contributed to the GEF.

Highlights of the year two series include the second annual “Bourbon on Rogers Street” Mardi Gras Fundraiser for YMCA Teens service mission to New Orleans. Last years’ event, held at Latitude 43 in Gloucester, raised several thousands of dollars for travel expenses for youth participants in a fun and festive evening. This year’s event will be held on FAT TUESDAY, Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 5:00-close with 10% of dining room food and beverage sales going to the YMCA group, plus raffles, an auction and a live Dixie Land Band. Similar events include one benefiting the For Jake’s Sake Toomey Tramples Autism foundation will be held at Hale Street Tavern in Beverly Farms on Sunday, March 27 from 5-close, another for North Shore United Way on April 13^th at Latitude 43 in Gloucester and a Cape Ann Timebanks “Friend raiser” Dance featuring the Paula Karakedis band at Alchemy Bistro on Saturday, March 26 from 9-close.

For information on upcoming events go the restaurant sites: www.latfortythree.com, http://www.minglewoodtavern.com , www.alchemybistro.com, www.calasrestaurant.com, www.fifteenwalnut.com and www.hale-street.com

For inquiries on hosting an event for your nonprofit organization, please contact Jennifer Goulart Amero at jenniferalchemy@gmail.com