On a hot August afternoon, the Cincinnati Bailliage gathered at the Haynes Family’s country home to celebrate is ninth annual dine-around/fundraising event. Chargé de Missions Clint Haynes, his wife Jean, their extended family, and numerous Chaîne members once again came together to prepare all of the food to raise money for local culinary students.

For the second year, the money raised will go to the Freestore Foodbank’s two culinary teaching programs: 1) Cincinnati Cooks! which teaches students basic culinary skills to become employable at local restaurants, and 2) the Second Course Program which trains its students in more advanced culinary skills that are needed for employment in fine dining establishments. A Silent Auction sold wines left over from previous Chaîne events throughout the year. In addition, a donation of $25 was contributed by each attendee.

The theme this year was a Mediterranean Feast. Planning started months in advance at the home of Chevalier Pat Gaito. On the day of the event, members and guests were greeted by Bailli and Chambellan Provincial George Elliott and his wife Jeane to register and pick up a tasting glass. Each person brought a bottle of fine wine to share which were lined up on tables in a screened porch. A large event tent provided some relief from the heat as the evening got started with empanadas prepared by Vice Conseiller Gastronomique Chuck Hong, and Pat Gaito’s famous mussels which he and Chevalier Andy Jobe prepared.

An array of Mediterranean salads (with an Indiana twist!) were prepared by Chevalier Pat Gaito. Dame de la Chaîne Martha Coors constructed a beautiful Caprese salad. The main course included Roasted Goat Asado prepared by Chevalier Dan Morrow and Chevalier Matthew Peitsmeyer; Whole Salmon smoked by Chevalier Shannon Read; and two outstanding preparations of Paella, one a traditional paella prepared by Enchanson Provincial Mary Horn and a vegetarian option prepared by Jean Haynes and her daughter Abby Peitsmeyer.

Throughout the course of the evening, members took part in the silent auction, bidding on wines many members that brought back fond memories of previous events throughout the year. The auction netted $7,790. Along with the $25 donation made by each of 74 attendees, a total of $9,640 was raised for the Freestore Foodbank.

Our bailliage was fortunate to have Bailli Provincial Midwest Greg Wallace and Chargee de Presse de Etats-Unites Honoraire Renee Wilmeth—both from Indianapolis – join us for the event. They have been both been tremendous supporters of the Cincinnati Bailliage over the years and work closely with Bailli George Elliott to keep the organization strong.

It’s no small wonder why the Haynes Family Farm event has become one of the most popular and well attended events of the year. The annual program celebrates great wine, imaginative as well as delicious food, and a chance to support a program that not only gives students the means for supporting themselves but also feeds those in our community who desperately need help. What more can you ask for as a member of a bailliage?

Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse