Mount Kisco Child Care Center Announces Culinary Partners for 20th Annual Fundraiser Supporting Equitable Child Care Access

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) has announced the culinary partners for its 20th Annual 'Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening' fundraiser scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Ivanna Farms in Mount Kisco. The event supports the center's mission to provide equitable access to high-quality child care and early education for working families in Westchester. MKCCC, a non-profit with over 50 years of service, currently cares for 145 children from three months to eleven years through full-day care, before- and after-school programs, and summer camp activities.

The fundraiser draws inspiration from MKCCC's innovative Feed Me Fresh curriculum, which educates children about health and nutrition through hands-on gardening and cooking experiences. Dawn Meyerski, Executive Director of MKCCC, stated that the event features an exceptional lineup of local restaurants that help move the community closer to ensuring every child has access to high-quality childcare and nutritious meals. The culinary lineup includes A & S Marketplace, Ben & Jerry's, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Crabtree's Kittle House, Exit 4 Food Hall, Ladle of Love, Little Drunken Chef, Lexington Square Café, Mentor's Mediterranean Steakhouse, Mimi's Coffee House, Monarca, and Mt. Kisco Seafood.

Chefs Tommy Calandrucci of Stone Fire and Maarten Steenman of La Tulipe Desserts will collaborate to prepare a special three-course plated meal during the program. The event serves as a crucial fundraiser for MKCCC's Scholarship Fund, which assists families who would otherwise find high-quality child care unaffordable. This aligns with MKCCC's commitment to equitable access to early education and care, addressing a significant barrier for many working families in the community.

This year's event will honor Peter Schwarz, a longtime supporter and Treasurer of the MKCCC Board of Directors, and Ruth Goodman, MKCCC's social worker, recognizing their significant contributions to the center's mission. The fundraiser represents more than just a culinary event; it demonstrates the power of community collaboration in supporting early childhood education and nutrition. By bringing together local restaurants, sponsors, and community members, MKCCC raises both funds and awareness about the importance of quality child care and nutritional education in early childhood development.

The event's focus on fresh, locally sourced food aligns with MKCCC's Feed Me Fresh curriculum, which combines hands-on farming activities with cooking classes based on seasonal offerings from playground gardens. This approach creates developmentally appropriate activities for each age group, fostering understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits from an early age. As the 20th annual iteration, 'Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening' represents a significant milestone for MKCCC and the community, reflecting two decades of commitment to innovative early childhood education and community support.

The impact extends beyond immediate fundraising goals by reinforcing the connection between early education, community health, and local food systems. The continued success of this fundraiser demonstrates the enduring importance of MKCCC's mission and the strong community bonds in Mount Kisco. The event showcases how local businesses can partner with educational institutions to address critical needs in early childhood development while promoting nutritional awareness that benefits the entire community.