Downingtown-Thorndale Rotary fundraiser again draws raves
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
Numerous volunteers from the Downingtown-Thorndale Rotary gather in Kerr Park just before the annual Mac N Cheese Cook-off, Sunday. The annual fundraiser, featuring the ultimate comfort food, helps fund the organization’s community good works.
DOWNINGTOWN – Ten competitors and 1,000 tasters showed up to Kerr Park for Sunday’s Chester County Macaroni and Cheese Cook-Off held by the Rotary Club of Downingtown-Thorndale.
Restaurants and businesses from Downingtown, West Reading, West Chester, and Glen Mills competed while Victory Brewing provided beer, and Margo’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream did dessert.
Kimberton Whole Foods took home judge’s choice honors in the business category and overall people’s choice honors for their pear, brie, and pecan creation while Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar took the judge’s choice in the restaurant category.
Colin Berett, a chef from Kimberton Whole Foods said that participating in this event allows the store to establish a community presence and show their support for the local community. To bolster that support, he said that many of the ingredients used in the winning recipe were sourced locally.
Joe Renaud, from Victory Brewing, said agreed, saying that the brewery’s name recognition can draw people, giving exposure to smaller businesses.
“No matter how big we get, we want people to know we still have that small business feel,” he said.
It was more than just Mac & Cheese, as kids could get their faces painted, Victory Beer and Martha’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream — among other local businesses — were on hand to ensure a fun day for all.
In addition to macaroni and cheese, radio station WMGK also showed up, and various children’s activities were also offered, including face painting and macaroni necklace creation. One Rotary Club member created and gave out coloring books and a game.
Rotary Event Chair Autumn Katzenmoyer said that the event is the club’s largest fundraiser, and proceeds will go to various initiatives, including David’s Drive 831 and international efforts to provide clean water.
“It’s community stuff but also international; we really try to help out everybody,” she said.
