International Culinary Celebration connects NSCC to community

Half of funds raised going to South Shore Regional Hospital renovations

With one step, patrons of the International Culinary Celebration had the wide world of French gastronomie at their fingertips: trout rillettes, gourmet cheeses, rabbit terrine.

And with another, NSCC Lunenburg students busied themselves preparing Japan’s signature dumplings and sushi by the plateful; more gourmet food from places like South Korea or Italy were just a shuffle away.

These were but a taste of the dozen of international cuisines — all made in bite-sized portions — showcased at the school’s event on April 4.

Teri Green, faculty for the newly returned tourism and hospitality program, said the night showcased the best of both her program and the culinary students.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” she said. “We’ve been working so hard for this.”

Green said roughly 200 people had purchased tickets, making it the largest event any of her students had ever staffed.

“Today, you could have cut the excitement with a knife,” she said.

When asked about the relationship between the school and the community, Green explained the culinary celebration was ideal for raising awareness around the school’s programs.

“It’s events like this that allow

me to get the word out,” she said.

However, Green also said the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of staff, suppliers and volunteers.

She pointed to the participation of several local breweries, distilleries and more as a big draw.

Sarah Batten, owner of Chocolates by Sarah, was just one of the suppliers in attendance.

A former NSCC student herself, Batten said she was proud to give back.

“I’ve used my programs to create this little chocolate business. I think it’s important to keep it going and come back and to continue participating,” said Batten. “It’s fun to be back.”

Tickets were $40 and the proceeds from the event are being split evenly between the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore and the school.

Alison Clements, who works for the foundation, said the funds would go replacing ranges in the South Shore Regional Hospital located in Bridgewater.

“The South Shore has such a wonderful sense of community,” she said.

“It’s nice to know that when you’re enjoying a wonderful evening of delicacies from around the world, your also giving back and supporting your community.”

Given that the funds were raised through food and drink, Clements added it was suiting the money would help people eat better.

The NSCC Lunenburg Campus has held the culinary celebration for more than 20 years.