BLACKBARN hosts a fundraiser for Heavenly Harvst
There are an estimated 1.2 million New Yorkers who are food insecure and 13.6% of them live right here in Manhattan.*
When the NOMAD Magazine team was invited to attend the annual fundraiser for Heavenly Harvst, we knew our ticket was worth more than the price of admission. Founded by chef John Doherty, the charitable organization has provided over 400,000 meals to those in need since its launch in 2015.
The “Big Bottles, Big Difference” event on November 9th continued that philanthropic legacy. Held at BLACKBARN, the neighborhood gem founded by chef Doherty at 19 E. 26th Street, the lively celebration featured a champagne tasting from Charles Heidsieck, Piper-Heidsieck, Barons de Rothschild, G.H. Mumm, Lanson, and Palmer & Co, as well as gourmet bites of Petrossian caviar, fresh seafood, and samplings from chef Doherty’s kitchen.
Doherty, a James Beard award-winning chef and author began his career at the Waldorf Astoria in ranks to the role of executive chef at the age of 27 — a position he held for 23 years. Throughout his tenure at the Waldorf he cooked for more kings, presidents, and heads of state than any other chef. Although preparing meals for presidents and dignitaries was inspiring, Doherty responded to a higher calling with a desire to feed those in need. He founded the Heavenly Harvst Foundation with the mission of making a positive impact on global hunger.
The unique and valuable offering of Heavenly Harvst is its packaging, which keeps meals shelf- stable for 24 months. Doherty, who prepared each of the recipes, including red beans and rice and a vegetarian chili, uses only high quality ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavorings. Every recipe is carefully designed to meet or exceed USDA recommendations for an adult’s nutritional requirement per meal. “I wanted to provide food that I would gladly serve my family,” he explained. “This is an important pillar of the organization. It’s not just about providing food, but also offering it with respect and dignity.”
Doherty stressed that a key component of Heavenly Harvst’s mission is to empower communities to combat food insecurity. “From schoolchildren to seniors, far too many face the challenge of accessing enough nourishment for an active, healthy lifestyle,” he said.
To further support the Heavenly Harvst Foundation, you can make a cash donation to the cause or book a Chef’s Table dinner at BLACKBARN, where the commitment to locally- sourced quality ingredients is found throughout the inspired and extensive menu. A percentage of the proceeds from the Chef’s Table are donated to the Heavenly Harvst Foundation.
Heavenly HARVST is a 501(c)(3) organization.
*Statistic from NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy annual 2022 Food Metrics Annual Report