Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, marked four decades of assisting the hungry with a celebration on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair.
Jim Axelrod, chief investigative correspondent for CBS News, spoke at the event, which included dinner and dancing. Music for the evening was provided by Jon Luks and the Jive Dukes, The Passing Notes and Ritesh Patel/DJ Ritters.
Toni’s Kitchen was founded in 1982, when Antoinette “Toni” Green began serving meals to those without housing, and has grown ever since.
“Toni’s has always been a reflection of the generosity of this very special community,” said Anne Mernin, executive director of Toni’s Kitchen. “We would never have had the impact of 40 years of service without the many, many donors and volunteers who have made this possible.”
Toni’s Kitchen also announced a matching grant from John and Susan Eckert, longtime volunteers and supporters of Toni’s Kitchen. The matching donation will be used to support the Growth for Good space expansion project. All donations received by Toni’s Kitchen from Oct. 4 through Oct. 16 will be matched, up to a total match of $75,000.
(PHOTOS BY KATE ALBRIGHT/FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)
The Rev. John Mennell chats with guests at the gala.
The Rev. John Mennell chats with guests at the gala.
Event chair Cinzia Cortese checks in with volunteers.
Event chair Cinzia Cortese checks in with volunteers.
Mayor Sean Spiller enjoying conversation at the celebration.
Mayor Sean Spiller enjoying conversation at the celebration.
Montclair High School's student-run a capella group, the Passing Notes, perform at the celebration.
Montclair High School's student-run a capella group, the Passing Notes, perform at the celebration.
Guests applaud for the Passing Notes.
Guests applaud for the Passing Notes.
Denise Price and executive director Anne Mernin on stage at the event.
Denise Price and executive director Anne Mernin on stage at the event.
Special guest, Jim Axelrod, chief investigative correspondent for CBS News, hugs Toni’s Kitchen's executive director, Anne Mernin.
Special guest, Jim Axelrod, chief investigative correspondent for CBS News, hugs Toni’s Kitchen's executive director, Anne Mernin.
Michael Bateman starts the first round of auction bidding.
Michael Bateman starts the first round of auction bidding.
Paul Sionas was one of three guests who won the bid for use of Toni’s Grill, the new food truck for Toni’s Kitchen, which he said he would use for a Christmas party.
Paul Sionas was one of three guests who won the bid for use of Toni’s Grill, the new food truck for Toni’s Kitchen, which he said he would use for a Christmas party.
Toni’s Grill, the new food truck for Toni’s Kitchen, is parked for viewing during Toni’s Kitchen's 40th Anniversary Celebration.
Toni’s Grill, the new food truck for Toni’s Kitchen, is parked for viewing during Toni’s Kitchen's 40th Anniversary Celebration.
