In January 2014, Terra Máe Appalachian Bistro raised $5K for the children and families at Siskin Children’s Institute while commemorating a year of bringing a unique culinary vision to life. On Feb. 5, the restaurant will once again host an event from 6-9 p.m. to benefit the organization and celebrate success of the past year.
Tickets will be $135, with all silent auction proceeds and $50 of each ticket sold going directly to The Institute.
Guests will wander the chef-inspired Appalachian Trail, enjoying an appetizer and entrée from each table that represents the personality of a chef’s region, as well as a drink pairing.
In addition to the culinary experience, they will be able to explore the historic StoneFort Inn while listening to live local musicians. Then top off the night by celebrating with a cause by buying a donated item to benefit Siskin Children’s Institute.
Confirmed to join Executive Chef Shelley Cooper for Feb. 5, are Chattanooga’s own Rebecca Baron of St. Johns, Ryan Kline of Buffalo Nickel in Asheville, N.C., and Wally Joe of Acre and Ben Smith of Tsunami Restaurant, both in Memphis. Ms. Baron took part in the last Siskin Children’s Institute event while Mr. Kline and Mr. Joe delighted guests with their dishes at a special dinner back in September at Terra Máe. These distinguished chefs have been profiled in regional magazines such as Bon Appetit and Southern Living and television programs such as NBC’s Today Show. Mr. Smith is Chef Shelley’s mentor who encouraged her to go to culinary school and has advised her throughout her career.
Terra Máe will list the menu items planned on the ticket webpage and its website, along with its social media platforms. Businesses wishing to contribute items to the silent auction can contact L’Erin Chidester at (423) 710.2925 or email lerin@terramae.net.
Terra Máe Owner Mark Oldham believes it is important to support the work Siskin does for the local community. “Siskin Children’s Institute helps with the early diagnosis of developmental issues in children and helps parents cope with the challenges these issues can present,” Mr. Oldham said. “This outreach to at risk students gives them a greater of chance of enjoying equal opportunities in life, so we consider this a very worthy cause and are happy to serve as a conduit for their fundraising.”
Siskin Children’s Institute provides a quality preschool education in an inclusive environment where children with and without disabilities learn and play together. Outreach services provide in-home education and support programs for families throughout the region. The Siskin Center for Child and Family Research conducts applied research to advance the fields of early childhood development and special education.
Just as the Institute thrived in its mission over the past year, Terra Máe enjoyed a busy 2014, hosting numerous events like the Siskin Children’s Institute Benefit, wine tastings, Easter and Mother’s Day brunches, an Appalachian Pig Pickin’, Seafood Shenanigans, Thanksgiving Dinner, New Year’s Eve dinner, private holiday parties, weddings, and more. The restaurant also launched Monday dinner service. The staff looks forward to serving guests at a variety of events planned in 2015.
To purchase tickets to the Feb. 5 event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-anniversarysiskin-benefit-dinner-tickets-15156233703. For more information about Siskin Children’s Institute, visit http://www.siskin.org. To learn more about Terra Máe, visit http://www.terramaechattanooga.com.