Cornival Returns! Capital Region Chefs to Compete in Tasty Fundraiser

CDPHP^® and SEFCU share a deep-seated concern about food insecurity and its adverse effect on the health and well-being of our community. Issues surrounding hunger and insufficient food supply or access currently affect more than 2.5 million New Yorkers.  

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Knowing that both of our companies seek opportunities to alleviate hunger in our region, SEFCU Chief Community Officer Kathy Lanni approached CDPHP to explore a collaborative fundraising effort.  It turned out to be a perfect match!

The idea was simple: Ask some of the region’s most talented chefs to create unique dishes featuring corn and have them serve it up at a fun, carnival-style lunchtime tasting event, with the proceeds benefitting the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. It would be held at Patroon Creek, where SEFCU and CDPHP are neighbors, and the public would be invited. That is how the “Cornival” was born.

Soon, a group of SEFCU and CDPHP employees began planning the corn-themed games and reaching out to area restaurants asking for participants. More than a dozen chefs signed on, lending their time and talents to this worthy cause.

On a beautiful summer afternoon, hundreds of people came out and enjoyed the food, fun, and games, as well as music from B95.5. In the end, Druthers Brewing Company walked away with the Golden Kernel Award, and nearly $9,500 was raised for the Regional Food Bank. In addition, multiple bins were filled with donations of non-perishable items for the food bank. To say it was a success is an understatement.

Cornival – Take 2

“Are you doing the Cornival again?” It’s the common question that was posed shortly after we wrapped up the first event. Given the event’s success, it was a no-brainer – of course the Cornival would be back!

This year, we are asking the chefs to bring their best tomato-themed creations for Cornival – Tomato Time! All proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Pantries for the Capital District. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, August 18. Like last year, it will take place at the Patroon Creek campus and will feature games and prize drawings. Admission is free. Tasting tickets are $10 each and games are $1 each. Donations of non-perishable food items are gladly accepted.

To stay updated on the event, including which Capital Region restaurants are participating, follow the Facebook event page. If you can’t make it out to this year’s Cornival, you can still donate to the Food Pantries via the SEFCU Foundation when you text the word corny to 41444.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!