Fundraiser supports Project Green Fork's efforts to bring change to Memphis restaurants

Published September 27, 2011 in the Commercial Appeal

Thomas Robinson, who authors the popular Eat Local Memphis blog (eatlocalmemphis.org), puts a great deal of thought into supporting local businesses, specifically restaurants.

"It's one way for us to maintain a unique cultural identity, in the same way that our local music and art make us different from all the other cities," he says.

Robinson believes the money consumers put into local businesses creates a ripple effect. "That money is put back into the community at a much higher rate than by a business that is located elsewhere."

He went to Project Green Fork's first Loving Local Fall Fundraiser last year, and is attending again this year.

Robinson feels Project Green Fork, in helping local restaurants become more environmentally friendly, is making Memphis a better place.

Anyone interested in learning more about supporting small businesses and the local food scene is invited to attend the second annual Loving Local Fall Fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at South Front and G.E. Patterson under the MATA pavilion (site of the Memphis Farmers Market).

"We created an event that we think appeals to a wide variety of Memphians," said Margot McNeeley, executive director of Project Green Fork. "The ticket cost is low, and the returns are high, so hopefully we'll attract a lot of people."

Tickets are $30 each, and guests will enjoy food from a number of PGF-certified restaurants, plus free wine and Ghost River beer. There will be pork sliders, portobello mushroom sliders and homemade chips from Central BBQ; Felicia Suzanne's Salmon Deviled Eggs and Cornmeal Tarts filled with Cheddar and 5 Pepper Jelly; Huey's potato soup; Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous' vegetarian red beans and rice; Fuel Café's vegetarian chili cheese fries; and YoLo frozen yogurt. Edible Memphis is providing kegs of Ghost River beer, and Athens Distributors is serving a selection of organic wines.

"The venue, the food and the cause all make for a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon," says Melissa Petersen, editor of Edible Memphis and a columnist for The Commercial Appeal.

There haven't been any events at the pavilion, other than Memphis Farmers Market events, so guests will have an opportunity to see it in a new light. Proceeds go to support the efforts of Project Green Fork. The event will celebrate not only local restaurants, but local businesses.

"We looked around and chose some businesses that we like and whose efforts we want to support," McNeeley says. "Loving Local will help get the word out about their businesses and introduce them to Memphians.

The businesses are Farm Girl Food Gardens, Apothecary Fairy and Memphis Threat. Farm Girl Food Gardens installs raised-bed vegetable gardens and provides edible landscaping services for homes and businesses. Apothecary Fairy specializes in freshly made skin care products using no synthetic ingredients or preservatives. Memphis Threat designs T-shirts that are nostalgic and original. All three businesses will have booths set up at the event.

PGF is partnering with Victory Bicycle Studio to add another layer to the event -- an optional group bike ride. Clark Butcher, co-owner of Victory Bicycle, met McNeeley when he sold her a bike and soon discovered that they had many mutual friends.

Victory Bicycle hopes to gather a nice group to ride the 4 miles from Cooper Young to the event Downtown.

"It will be at a casual pace so that people can ride in their dress attire," says Butcher.

He hopes the group ride will encourage participants to ride their bikes more. Butcher and his business partner, Robert Taylor, lead group bike rides every Sunday morning. Taylor leads a group of 20 to 25 on a 50-mile ride starting at 8:30 a.m. each week. Butcher leads a smaller group -- usually 10 or so -- on a slower-paced 25-mile ride that leaves the studio at 9 a.m.

"It's a great way to meet others around town who like to ride bikes," Butcher says. The rides are free.

There will be a silent and live auction at Loving Local. Auction items include some unusual bundles, such as a Kombucha (tea) starter kit and private lesson, installation of a spiral herb garden, an urban chicken starter kit with two chickens, and a home-delivered backyard BBQ that includes a whole hog from Newman Farms prepared by Central BBQ. Victory has donated a Kona mountain bike.

Elizabeth Blondis, co-owner of Central BBQ, served on the steering committee and supports the work of Project Green Fork because of the changes it has made in the Memphis restaurant industry.

"Restaurants and consumers alike are paying more attention to the waste produced when going out for a meal. With PGF's help, Central BBQ has found ways to reduce waste by over half through recycling and composting," she says.

The event will have a reduced environmental footprint.

"We always like to make sure that we do the same things that we require our restaurants to do," says McNeeley.

Get Green Recycleworks, which works with many PGF- certified restaurants, will set up a recycling and composting area. Utensils, trays, cups and plates will be reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.

Information

Project Green Fork's Second Annual "Loving Local" Fall Fundraiser

3-6 p.m. Oct. 2. MATA pavilion, Front and G.E. Patterson

Cost: $30 per person

Purchase tickets online: projectgreenfork.org ($1 service fee), at Victory Bicycle Studio (2294 Young Avenue), and at the door.

Optional group bike ride

2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

Victory Bicycle Studio, 2294 Young Avenue

No charge

Helmets, bike lamps and locks are required