Sylvia Center Farm to Table Event | Katchkie Farm
On Saturday, August 1, I had the privilege of volunteering at Katchkie Farm for The Sylvia Center’s annual Farm to Table Celebration, an evening that beautifully showcases the power of food, education, and community. The annual fundraiser supports The Sylvia Center’s mission to provide nutrition-focused, culinary-based programming to more than 50 schools and community organizations across New York City’s five boroughs, Columbia County, and the Capital District.
While I’ve attended several Great Performances events over the years, this was my first opportunity to experience one from the very beginning. I spent the day helping with setup while also capturing behind-the-scenes moments for our Instagram channels, offering a firsthand look at everything that goes into creating an unforgettable evening.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this would be a labor of love. The sun was relentless, and the ground was still slick and muddy after storms had rolled through the farm earlier in the week. Yet those conditions never slowed anyone down. Our chefs, service staff, volunteers, and farm team arrived ready to work, bringing enthusiasm, teamwork, and an incredible amount of determination.
Over the course of the day, three empty tents were transformed into a fully functioning catering kitchen, a charming cocktail lounge, and an elegant dining space filled with long family-style tables nestled among the farm fields. It was remarkable to watch the transformation unfold. Every table, chair, cooking station, floral arrangement, and serving piece had to be carefully transported, assembled, and perfectly placed. By the end of the day, most of us had walked more than five miles across the farm, hauling equipment, setting tables, preparing food, and fine-tuning every last detail. It’s the kind of work guests rarely see, but it’s what makes evenings like this possible.
Of course, our team wasn’t the only one putting in the miles.
The talented young chefs from The Sylvia Center were an essential part of the celebration, proudly showcasing the culinary skills they have developed through the organization’s programming. During cocktail hour, they welcomed guests with a selection of beautifully prepared canapés (check out their recipe for Esquites here), working together with confidence and professionalism. Watching these students collaborate, support one another, and beam with pride as guests enjoyed their creations was one of the most rewarding moments of the day. Their enthusiasm was contagious and served as the perfect opening to an extraordinary evening.
As cocktail hour unfolded, Great Performances’ celebrated Chef’s Choir was busy putting the finishing touches on a dinner that reflected both the diversity of our culinary team and the bounty of Katchkie Farm. Guests began their meal with a duo of vibrant seasonal salads accompanied by fresh grilled naan and wood-fired pizza baked on-site in the farm’s outdoor oven.
The buffet itself became a culinary journey around the world. Chef Gou Hao Pang and Chef Solanki Roy crafted an Asian-inspired menu, Chef Tatiana Iglesias brought vibrant Latin flavors to the table, and Chef Omar Hegazi alongside Chef Abdel Soudre presented a Mediterranean feast filled with bold, fresh ingredients. Each station reflected the unique talents and heritage of the chefs behind it while celebrating the fresh produce harvested just steps away.
No farm dinner would be complete without dessert. Guests ended the evening with strawberry shortcake, fresh watermelon sprinkled with Tajín, and a refreshing gelato bar—a sweet finale to an unforgettable celebration.
Experiencing the event from behind the scenes gave me an entirely new appreciation for what Great Performances does so well. Every memorable event is built on countless hours of preparation, collaboration, and care. From the first table unloaded to the last dessert served, every member of the team played an important role in creating an experience that felt seamless for our guests.
Most importantly, the evening celebrated an organization whose impact extends far beyond a single event. By teaching young people how to cook, grow food, and make healthy choices, The Sylvia Center is helping to build healthier communities and brighter futures—one meal, one lesson, and one student at a time.
To learn more about The Sylvia Center and next year’s Farm to Table Celebration, visit sylviacenter.org.
