Dear friends of Durham Central Park,

Thanks to the many who put on their aprons and volunteer their time and talents, the Meals from the Market fundraiser continues to be a great success!

Please allow me to share these 2010 Meals from the Market facts:

Over a seven week period we had a total of 21 meals. Meals ranged from an intimate dinner for 8 to a pig pickin’ in the park for 150. There was also a “World Cask Ale Festival” event attended by just under 300 people. Prices ranged from $20 for a family-style backyard barbeque to $95 for an epicurean adventure atop the Kress Building. In all, there were 787 tickets sold for just over $26,000. Best of all, we have many new friends who participated this year for the first time.

Our widely-circulated Meals from the Market booklet attracted ads and sponsorship dollars bringing in additional dollars. After expenses, the 2010 Meals from the Market brought in roughly $29,000.00! These dollars will go directly to Durham Central Park, Inc. for managing and developing the wonderful green space in downtown Durham, including the Pavilion at Durham Central Park.

This year we are also proud to report that additional dollars were earned for fellow non-profits who partnered with us: $892.00 for Liberty Arts, the premier sculpture-casting facility in the heart of the park who co-hosted the pig pickin’ and $920.00 for the Carolina Theatre who co-hosted a dinner with a musical performance on its historic stage.

Enthusiasm for further developing the park is growing – the plans for a “Wanderland” east of Foster Street were circulated this fall and have been well received. Together we are making great things happen in the park. Isn’t it fun to enjoy great food and conversation while we’re at it?

Yours truly,
Lee Ann Tilley
DCP volunteer

To see a summary listing of all meals click here

To view our 2010 MfM brochure – click here