Find Happiness in Giving - Good Epicurean

Last week we raised over $16,000 for local charity. I don’t know the exact final number, as many committed to sending more money directly to charities we raised funds for. One generous donor wrote a check for $2,000 to each charity on the spot.?

When I started with the idea of hosting a charity dinner to give back, I told myself if we could raise $10,000, I would be happy. We far exceeded the initial goal with our first Good Epicurean dinner. The event was 100% giveback after expenses. Those working on the dinner donated their time and energy to raise funds for the community. Giving donations to YTL, Youth Training Leadership, and YMCA of WNC mobile markets. The funds will go a long way to help feed those in need and lead, feed, and train our brown and black youth. The charities, if you know them, are doing great work. Meeting Libby from YTL was an honor. The work she is doing, unbeknownst to many, is inspiring. She has created a platform that makes a difference. And, of course, after visiting a mobile market with John from the YMCA, I thought the good they are doing to provide healthy food at no cost to those in need in our WNC communities is admirable.

We call the dinner Good Epicurean, as we set out to do good for others while enjoying one of the things we love- food and wine. I have a passion for giving, and I think I have my parents to thank. They were always very giving to others. It’s hospitality, and it was born in my blood. I won’t lie, the dinner was a lot of work. It is similar to that of hosting one of my three TED events. You do the work and don’t get paid in physical dollars, but you set the stage to help others. And you do good. You give, create, connect with others, and inspire more giving and good in the world.?

I’ve received the question, why would or why did you do these events if you don’t make money? The answer is simple. Giving is part of life. Whether we give a hand to help someone up, give to surprise, or give to honor the right thing, we are making a difference. Giving is leading. Giving needs to be from the heart.?

Good humans with big hearts gave that night in Asheville at Avenue M. From Angie at Tryon Distributing Co who donated the wine, to D'Artagnan for donating proteins, Mountain Food Products for produce, Highland Brewing Company for donating beer, Omni Grove Park Inn for hosting our celebrity chefs, and Quility Insurance for being our presenting sponsor, helping cover all the expenses, we could not have done what we did.?

When people come together for good causes, great things happen. Letting go of what’s in it for me, and showing up with what we can do to leave things better than before we showed up, is true giving from the heart.?

Thank you to our Chefs for their culinary talents: Travis Milton of Nicewonder Farms,? Tandy Wilson of City House Nashville, Andrew McLeod, and Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish.?

But the biggest thank you to Avenue M for donating their space, time, and energy to creating a special evening for good. One of my favorite local neighborhood restaurants that believe in community and giving. Ralph and Tony, my gratitude to you. Thank you for empowering, believing in, and hosting the Good Epicurean AVL.?

To the future of more Good Epicurean events to come. Thank you to all who showed up, gave, and are now part of the Good Epicurean club.

Cheers to those who give without agenda, keeping score, and showing up with heart and soul.?

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give” - Ben Carson