EYHO 2019
14th Annual Eat Your Heart Out Fundraiser
Eat Your Heart Out (EYHO) is not is your typical boring meal served at a fundraising event. Rather, it’s an annual gathering and delectable dining experience that raises money for West Mount Airy Neighbors. The 14th Annual EYHO kicked off on Saturday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
As usual, EYHO began with a grand cocktail party hosted by Alex Aberle and Violette Levy at their generous home, the historic Upsala Mansion.
This is the time to see and be seen while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and libations. Earth Bread + Brewery donated their beer and owner, Tom Baker, who served our guests.
Our delicious food was donated by local businesses Bacio, Catering By Design, Little Jimmie’s Catering, Malelani Cafe, and Tiffin.
A bit later in the evening, most registrants collect their assignments to one of 10 homes in the neighborhood to attend intimate dinner parties of 10 to 12 people. Each dinner featured a different theme and menu, prepared by chefs who have volunteered their time and culinary passion for the event.
However, attending a dinner wasn’t a requirement as many neighbors still supported WMAN and participated in the festivities by opting to come to the cocktail party only.
EYHO always offers wonderful meals cooked by a roster of talented chefs. This year, local restaurant Mica loaned us its chef and owner, Yianni Arhontoulis.
Also cooking was Chef Angie Brown, well known to many as the former proprietor of the local restaurant that bore her name.
Careda Matthews, a new chef from Reading Terminal Market, lent her talents to a dinner, as did local caterer Kimberly Fonville of KF Culinary Designs.
Gail Hinson, who cooks pop-up dinners at Awbury Arboretum, and Bonnie Shuman, executive chef at Weavers Way Co-op, committed their expertise as well.
Culinary School graduates Emma Ford and Tahneyia Williams returned to EYHO this year. Mt. Airy resident and caterer Claire Lomax and talented chef Jim Steiker rounded out our list of chefs.
Our hosts included both veteran participants who have kindly opened their homes and pocketbooks many times, and first timers. A gracious thank you to High Point Cafe for donating coffee for our hosts information reception in March.
Our newest chefs and hosts help EYHO retain its character as a community dinner at which people have a great time socializing — just ask some of the many people who have attended for most, or all, of the last 13 years.
This year, the dinners and reception was completely sold out! Our 4 impressive raffle prize bags were won by (1) Tom Dolgenos, (2) Elizabeth Ryland, (3) Susan Nonlan, and (4) Lauren Kahn.
Our signature annual event would not have been possible without our generous neighbors, local business partners, hosts, chefs, and event committee members. We are deeply grateful and look forward to seeing you around town.
