MS150 fundraiser

We were asked to provide light appetizers for a fundraising cocktail party for 30 people last Saturday in the home of our client Adam. Adam was the team captain for a group riding in the MS150 - a 150 mile road bike ride through Logan, Utah. The MS150 is a charity event where the riders raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (also known as MS) is a central nervous disease which impacts many people in the US. A cause as worthy as this one deserved a worthy menu. Adam wanted a handful of small plate/appetizer type food and we were definitely eager to please. Because appetizers at a cocktail party aren't traditionally meant to provide a formal dinner, you want to give guests a number of options while making sure they feel like they've eaten enough. One catering trick when doing an appetizer party is to satisfy a person's dinner urge with a number of vegetarian items but also to be sure to provide a little protein as well. In this menu of small plates, salmon cakes and deli meats in an antipasto platter filled this task. When doing multiple appetizers like this, I always try to blend flavors so that there is a mild theme among the dishes. In building the menu I was inspired by Mediterranean ingredients; in the end I thought we came up with a nice mix of small plates. Appetizers at a cocktail party scream finger food to me, so most of the dishes we served consisted of something you could pick up and eat while standing. The menu:

Bruschetta with ricotta, caramelized onions, and balsamic reduction
Skewered caprese: cherry tomato, basil pesto, and fresh mozarella
Orzo salad with roasted red peppers, asparagus, and feta in a lemon vinaigrette
Antipasto platter (salami, sun-dried tomato roasted turkey breast, olives, 4 cheeses, and crackers)
Salmon cakes with cilantro cream

Adam set his home up with a big buffet table. On one end of the buffet line he set up a computer terminal where people could make donations online as well as a tip jar on the other end where people could drop off cash donations. The party was a smash, helping Adam meet his fundraising goal. There were also many great comments about the food which helped to make the party a big success. In an effort to make our own small contribution to supporting research and awareness for MS, we decided to sponsor Adam's team this year for his bike ride. Foodmode will be proudly displayed on the left sleeve of the team TryAngles' bike jersey this year. We're looking forward to a successful and fun ride for everyone doing the MS150 this year.