Farmers Formal Recap by Colleen Daly

Farmers Formal was a Delicious Success!

by Colleen Daly, Development Associate

Our 10th Annual Farmers Formal took place on Friday, October 13th and was our most successful farmraiser yet; with 500 guests in attendance, you helped us raise over $360,000!

The event was also a fun and delicious night for all. Over 30 local farms paired with more than 50 local chefs and libation purveyors in St. Louis’ largest food-focused fundraiser to treat guests to carefully crafted small plates and libations. We were also able to create an almost ‘no waste’ event thanks to the help of St. Louis Earth Day and Natural Tableware.

Supporters also made an EarthDance dream come true by donating during the program’s Fund-a-Need to build a community event pavilion. Funded in part by the Joseph & Elsie McBride Charitable Foundation, this structure will serve as a space for a variety of community events and initiatives.

“We look forward to having a permanent large covered space on site for farm dinners, field trips, classes, workshops, meetings, film screenings, reunions, and of course, dances! The possibilities are endless; this pavilion will quickly become a hub of farm-based education and community celebration,” said EarthDance Organic Farm School Founding Director Molly Rockamann. “Thank you from the bottom of our roots to all of our amazing supporters who made this project a reality.”

We could not have done this without the help of all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, board members, and especially our planning committee members; we extend a very special thank you to our incredible co-chairs Lisa & John Eilermann!

Start getting excited for next year’s Farmers Formal, which will take place during EarthDance’s 10 Year Anniversary! We already have some of your favorite chefs, farmers, and libationers on the docket to return for another great night of feasting and bidding. Stay tuned for more details!

Check out our Flikr account for more photos from our 10th Annual Farmers Formal!