Serafina, the Italian Center in Stamford, CT, set the scene for the second annual Plates with Purpose fundraiser for Filling in the Blanks. The organization, founded by Tina Kramer and Shawnee Knight, is a non-profit dedicated to helping families who live below poverty level and struggle with food insecurity throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. Five locally renowned chefs Luke Venner (Elm), Tyler Anderson (Millrights), Christian Petroni (Fortina), Samantha Benjamin (The Dessertist), and Hannah Gorman (Revel with Dinnerthyme) along with many generous sponsors and volunteers, all contributed to cocktail reception and four-course dinner. DJ Big Daddy entertained guests and emceed the live auction and paddle raise as well as on-line bidding for rare and collectable wines and whiskeys. The event raised $200,000 for Filling in the Blanks to take hundreds of children off of the current waiting list. Diana Dore and Luke Venner co-chaired the event. Sponsors included Arranged Floral, Wagon Wheel Fine Wines and Spirits, ShopRite Grade A, Karen Wells Designs, Serge Dore Selections and Antica Terra Winery.
