It was a grand affair at the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair on Saturday night as Toni’s Kitchen celebrated 35 years of serving the community with a gala fundraiser. The was great music from The Koan Trio, the Passing Notes a cappella singing group from Montclair High School, and the TNT Ramblers (below). Jim Axelrod, Senior National Correspondent for CBS News, gave a brilliant keynote speech about the history of Toni’s Kitchen and how important its mission is today. Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson emceed the event. Toni’s Kitchen Executive Director Anne Mernin made remarks about Toni’s mission today and thanked the volunteers and the community for all of the work they do at Toni’s. The sold-out crowd browsed dozens of auction items of all kinds available for bid. Rachel Reuben, professional chef and Food Network “Chopped” Champion, made a special appeal to the crowd to raise money for a new stove for Toni’s Kitchen, and the money was raise successfully.
Big thanks to Dawn Armbrust and Kris Bromley, Event Co-Chairs, for putting together an amazing and successful night!
Toni’s Kitchen Executive Director Anne Mernin addresses the audience
There were dozens of great auction items that drew lots of bidding!
The event was a sellout!
CBS News Senior National Correspondent Jim Axelrod delivers the keynote address
Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson was the guest host for the gala
The Montclair High School Passing Notes a cappella group sang for the event
Profession chef and Food Network “Chopped” Champion Rachel Reuben made an appeal for funds for a new stove for Toni’s Kitchen