The Connecticut Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (CT NOFA) will hold two events this month at Winvian resort in Morris. The second annual A Special Culinary Fundraiser will take place on July 18 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, followed by A Summer Gathering: Growing Food, Farms & Community on July 19. Both events, hosted by CT NOFA and Winvian, will celebrate local foods and sustainable agriculture as well as the people and businesses that support them. 

In addition to silent and live auctions, the July 18 evening fundraiser will feature Chris Eddy, executive chef and founder of Winvian’s food philosophy. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Chef Eddy’s signature appetizers and desserts, along with tastings from Winvian’s farm and other local farms. Claire Criscuolo of New Haven’s Claire’s Corner Copia will also be presented with the Organic Leadership Recognition Award. Net proceeds from this event will benefit CT NOFA.

The next day, on July 19, A Summer Gathering: Growing Food, Farms & Community, a family fun and educational event will take place from 9:30am to 5pm. The day will feature interactive children’s activities, educational workshops for young adults on new food-related career opportunities, food trucks and local vendors and exhibitors. Keynote addresses will be given by Joan Dye Gussow, a Columbia University professor emeritus, organic gardener and writer, and Richard McCarthy, executive director of Slow Food USA. Workshop presenters include Tara Cook-Littman of GMO Free CT and ConnFact and Taylor Cocalis-Suarez, co-founder of Good Food Jobs.

For reservations and sponsorship opportunities, visit ctnofa.org/Winvian or call 203-308-2584. Advance reservations are required. See ad, page 32.