FFA fundraiser features delectable tastes of Maine
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Fund-raising efforts to get members of the local FFA chapter to the national convention later this month in Indianapolis got a boost recently when several businesses teamed up, taking part in a special event held at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, LLC.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE FFA OFFICERS recently took part in a fundraiser at The Crow’s Nest. Pictured in front from left are: Brett Starr and Advisor Aaron Buzza. Middle row: Mychaela Lunney, Brittany Caron, Cassandra Lunney and Barbara Bonville. Back row: Katilyn Hayes, Crow’s Nest Owner/Manager Jim Stacey, SAD 1 Superintendent Gehrig Johnson, Chef Joe Gervais and Brittany Burlock. Absent from photo is Assistant Advisor Erin Argraves.
The event, an FFA 10-course gourmet meal fundraiser, was a concept presented by Crow’s Nest owner Jim Stacey to FFA officials earlier this summer.
“We work with a lot of charities, donating space to help others in need. I was at Tractor Supply shopping one day and noticed FFA members selling hotdogs. It gave me an idea — one I thought was a perfect opportunity for the agricultural community to assist the next generation of farmers,” said Stacey.
Stacey said he returned to the restaurant, meeting with Chef Joe Gervais to “see what we could do for a fundraiser.”
“Joe had been asking if we could do a 10-course meal sometime. This was the perfect opportunity,” Stacey said, noting it was decided that such an event would garner the most interest if FFA members actually served the courses. “We wanted the kids to do some of the work, thereby earning the money they raised rather than just having it donated.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A 10-COURSE MEAL served as a fundraiser for the Presque Isle FFA Chapter, held at The Crow’s Nest on Maysville Street. Members served as wait staff for the event, which raised about $2,775 which will be used toward the group’s trip to compete nationally later this month. Pictured in front from left are: John Dougherty, Cole Farley, Advisor Aaron Buzza and Brett Starr. Middle row: Mychaela Lunney, Barbara Bonville, Brittany Caron, Julia Lunney, Ashleigh Lunney, Cassandra Lunney, Ashley Burlock and Victoria Butterfield. Back row: Crow’s Nest Owner/Manager Jim Stacey, Chef Joe Gervais, SAD 1 Superintendent Gehrig Johnson, Chelsea McNally, Samantha Murphy, Brittany Burlock, Dannica Ladd and Katilyn Hayes. Absent from photo were: Susan Johnston, Alicia Lunney, Peter and Tammy Starr, and Candy Bonville.
Students were also asked to go out and ask for food donations.
“The kids served the meal and were able to keep tips, to be used toward their trip,” he said.
Stacey said the meal wasn’t finalized until hours before the event, held Aug. 26.
“The chef came up with the guidelines, then the kids began collecting from local businesses and farms. The last change came the day of the event,” said Stacey.
“This was such a focused and energetic group. And Joe was great, pulling this all together. There certainly was a lot of creativity and patience on the part of the chef,” Stacey said.
Approximately 160 tickets were sold for the dinner, which raised about $2,775 for the Presque Isle FFA chapter. The meal began with Amuse Bouche (made with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes), followed by an appetizer of corn-dusted chicken livers. Next came the grain category, consisting of buckwheat noodles. The salad portion was made with tomato, cantaloupe and watermelon. Puff pastry was presented next, filled with pea puree, roasted turkey and turkey cream sauce.
“The soup was presented in special bowls — carved-out squash,” said Stacey, of the roasted corn and autumn vegetable soup.
Shellfish followed, with a clam and mussel cake with broccoli salad.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BRITTANY BURLOCK carries a tray of desserts made with SAD 1 School Farm apples during an FFA fundraiser at The Crow’s Nest.
As the evening progressed, diners were treated to Intermezzo (Maine blueberry and thyme sorbet), followed by maple glazed bean brisket with Swiss chard and beet greens. A pork dish was next, featuring braised leg of pork with golden whipped Aroostook potatoes, topped with raspberry barbecue sauce.
And no dinner would be complete without dessert.
“Dessert was honey drizzled baked SAD 1 School Farm apples with toffee cream,” said Stacey.
Aaron Buzza, director of the School Farm and FFA adviser, said this year’s FFA members put a great deal of effort into making the dinner a success.
“They’re self-motivators — very focused individuals,” said Buzza.
Buzza said the dinner served multiple purposes.
“This event was to do two things: promote local agriculture and support the 16 FFA students that will be going to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. The dinner featured local agricultural foods, showing just how diverse agriculture is in Aroostook,” said Buzza.
In addition to the dinner, students are currently selling $1 raffle tickets for a queen-sized quilt that was donated by member Brittany Burlock’s grandmother.
“Tickets can be purchased from any FFA member or at the School Farm,” he said.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BARBARA BONVILLE, president of the Presque Isle FFA chapter, expresses appreciation for the support shown during the organization’s recent fundraiser at The Crow’s Nest.
Fund-raising efforts continue, as the trip date approaches.
“The trip is scheduled from Oct. 22-26. We still have a ways to go. Each student needs to raise about $650 in order to participate in the trip. Many of them are almost there but we still need a bit more to reach our goal,” said Buzza.
Barbara Bonville, chapter president, spoke at the dinner on behalf of fellow FFA members.
“Thank you for helping our team. We’re excited and very much looking forward to the trip,” said Bonville.
Buzza said the dinner was a good experience for the students.
“It’s a blessing as a teacher to have students who love to work. They’ll leave high school with the work ethic County natives are known for. When giving a job reference, to be able to note you ‘come from the County’ — that tells people you’re going to be a worker,” he said.
“This event gave the kids a greater appreciation for the food on the table and the work that goes into growing and preparing it to eat. I thank SAD1 for the good, all-around ethical kids who helped put on this amazing dinner,” continued Buzza.
Buzza indicated feedback was very positive.
“Our guests loved the event. Some of the people commented on the chef’s presentation of the meal. Others commented on the way the different servers complimented each other. Many responded how professional the FFA students were in serving. We had all great reviews,” said Buzza.
Taking part in the fundraiser were: Buzza, John Dougherty, Cole Farley, Brett Starr, Mychaela Lunney, Barbara Bonville, Brittany Burlock, Brittany Caron, Julia Lunney, Ashleigh Lunney, Cassandra Lunney, Ashley Burlock, Victoria Butterfield, Chelsea McNally, Samantha Murphy, Dannica Ladd, Katilyn Hayes, Susan Johnston, Alicia Lunney, Peter and Tammy Starr and Candy Bonville.
“The Crow’s Nest likes to support the community and different organizations. This was my way of saying ‘thank you,’ by being a part in support such a worthy youth organization,” said Stacey.
