Loaves & Fishes Benefit Garden Party is a Celebration of Community

The guests arriving at Saratoga’s Montalvo Arts Center on May 28 were greeted with a welcome sight: a curated open-air market bursting with artisan-made gifts–and pastries. Lots and lots of pastries, which were served up alongside fresh juices and bubbly as prelude to an alfresco lunch and intimate conversation with A-list restaurateur Tyler Florence. It was time once again for the much anticipated biennial fundraiser, A Day in the Garden with Friends. The event is hosted by Summit League, an organization supporting arts, education and welfare nonprofits in Santa Clara County. The Day in the Garden benefited Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, and was a delightful morning filled with sunshine, shopping and conversation with one of the Bay Area’s brightest culinary stars. 

Chef Florence, known as a mega-restaurateur and Food Network celeb, is also committed to volunteering his time and expertise in times of crisis, including feeding first responders the Pacific Palisades fires and working alongside Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. In his engaging remarks that day, Florence thanked guests for their commitment to ending hunger in their community. Loaves & Fishes’ fleet of hot/cold meal distribution trucks deliver food directly to families and seniors, and to those needing medically prescribed meals. A portion of the funds raised at A Day in the Garden with Friends will additionally benefit Summit League’s Community Giving Fund, designed to meet urgent and unexpected needs in Santa Clara County.