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Heartland Farm to host unique farm to table event
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Courtesy PHOTO Good things have been happening at Heartland Farm in Pawnee Rock in 2020. While the world has wrestled with a pandemic and various social issues, the farm welcomed crias to the herd in April. Mamas and babies will be on display Saturday evening when ticket holders stop by to pick up their “fancy takeout” Mediterranean samplers, this year’s take on the annual Farm to Table fundraising dinner.

PAWNEE ROCK — Heartland Farm is trying something new this year. For the past three years, the residents and board of advisors have hosted a Farm to Table fundraising dinner on location. Saturday, Sept. 19, participants will enjoy a scenic drive out to the farm, where they will pick up “fancy takeout,” and head home with a unique Mediterranean sampler of dishes crafted by Kim Randall of Baked Blessings Catering and the staff at Heartland Farm. All dishes will include locally sourced ingredients from local and area environmentally-conscious farms. 

“The menu is a takeout-only sampler of cold dishes from throughout the Mediterranean region,” said board member Natalie Fullerton. Think dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and tabbouleh, lamb kabobs (or meatless if you choose) and tzatziki, baba ganoush and pita bread, and homemade, fresh mozzarella.

When the board and staff met via Zoom in early August to work out details for this year’s event, they envisioned upscale, unique, personal and fun. Meals will be boxed and ready to go in a Heartland Farm insulated grocery tote, which can be used for years to come. 

“Take it home to enjoy that night or the next day, or plan a picnic on Pawnee Rock or at an area lake. Just remember to bring your own utensils and drinks,” the staff suggests in a letter sent last week. 

“In a typical year, the Farm to Table Dinner would also include a silent auction. However, in this Covid year, we are having a raffle! Purchase your raffle tickets with your meal tickets.

“We will draw winners the day before the event, and if you’re a winner, you can pick up your raffle item when you pick up your meal.

“Furthermore, since our Gift Shop has been closed to the public for the last couple of months, we are also providing the opportunity to order gift shop items with your ticket. We will have those items packed up and ready for you to pick up as well.”

Ordering tickets for the meal and raffle, purchasing items from the gift shop and choosing a pickup time slot can all be done online at https://heartlandfarm-ks.org/farm-to-table-2020/. Only 50 tickets will be available for the event. All purchases and winnings will be ready for pickup on Saturday, Sept. 19. Those who can’t make it but wish to support the farm may also make online donations at https://37371.thankyou4caring.org/heartland-farm/heartland-farm.

Visitors will have an opportunity to view some of the livestock that call Heartland Farm Home as they drive thru the property to pick up their orders. See how much the light brahma chickens have grown and see some of the alpacas - including this year’s crias, or baby alpacas.

“While this year’s dinner is a departure from our normal event, we have worked hard to make it special in its own right,” Fullerton said. “We hope you decide to take a short drive in the countryside to the Farm for this year’s unique menu and to support the important mission and ministry of Heartland Farm!”

Heartland Farm is located 14 miles west of Great Bend.