Local Experts Support Bonnie Brae Fundraiser

November 1 , 2010 Liberty Corner, NJ

Weeks spent in preparing homemade soups and handmade bowls will culminate on November 10 when the students at Bonnie Brae conduct a fundraising event to benefit Bridges Outreach of Summit. Bridges’ outreach includes over 1,500 volunteers delivering over 100,000 bagged brown lunches, 40,000 breakfast bags, literally tons of clothing and toiletries and other necessities each year. This year has been particularly taxing for those served by Bridges in Newark, Irvington and New York City.

The students of Bonnie Brae, a residential treatment center for boys, have been working with area artisans in hopes of helping those who struggle with hunger daily. Although the boys are in treatment to deal with their personal problems, they grow and change through multiple learning experiences. Bonnie Brae’s CEO, Bill Powers has long been a strong advocate in fostering the spirit of giving back. He personally accompanies the boys in such activities as the Bridges’ “runs” to deliver sandwiches, soup and basic necessities to those who live on the streets of New York.

Chef Brian Moscetti, owner of the Soup Shoppe in Riverwalk, Basking Ridge, and a graduate from Johnson & Wales University, will lend his expertise in creating two soups with the boys: one aptly named “Bonnie Brae Bisque” especially for this event. Assisting in the soup preparation will be Kathy Layman who teaches Activities for Daily Living classes in which the students learn basic living skills. Chef Brian and Mrs. Layman have been enthusiastically working in collaboration for several weeks for this special event.

Simon Benjamin Keller, along with Bonnie Brae’s Art teacher, Grace LaForge, will teach the boys a method of making ceramic bowls on and off the wheel. Keller, a Japanese-trained potter based in Fanwood, is the ceramic artist-in-residence at The duCret School of Art in Plainfield. He has extensive teaching experience with children and adults, both here and in Germany and Japan. He will share his knowledge in creating the bowls that are derived from ones used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The ceremony itself is connected to the spirit of togetherness.

The Bonnie Brae community, staff, students and board members will be invited to sit together to break bread and eat soup as a culmination of the efforts of the boys. Participants will receive a hand made bowl in exchange for a donation to Bridges Outreach, in support of their ongoing efforts all year round.

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www.bonnie-brae.org