Triskeles’ Youth Philanthropy group collected $1400 this summer–and gave it away this week to organizations in our area who are doing good things for others. What a great feeling, to be able to help others do good things for those who need it.

Youth selected five Philadelphia-area non-profits to receive grants from their fund:

• Startup Corps in Philadelphia–which teaches high school youth entrepreneurial business skills and helps them incubate businesses
• The Clinic in Phoenixville–which provides medical care to those without insurance
• Main Line Animal Rescue in Kimberton–one of the best animal shelters in the country
• Good Works in Coatesville–which just finished repairing its 500th residence in Chester County
• The Chester County Food Bank–one of the best anywhere which does so much to see that no one goes hungry

The young adults and Triskeles staff who delivered the gifts were all reminded again how many good people there are who make it their business to help those in need. We urge you all to support your charity of choice this season.

Click below to see album:

Youth Philanthropy 2011

At our Next Steps workshop on December 10th at the beautiful new Beaver Farm community education building, ‘energy conservation’ was the phrase of the day. With their teen-aged mentors, the young participants in Next Steps discussed ways to save energy–then they acted out one tactic in a little skit for the rest of the group. You can see cameos from the skits in the photo album below.

You’ll also see some highlights from our farm tour and the friendly and oh-so-interesting animals which we met, as well as some delicious looking shots of the cookies we all baked and took home to families.

A very fun and educational day.

(Click on the photo to see the online album)

SxS – NS Dec 10-11

Will Guinan (aka Fosta Gee), one of our talented youth in the summer program this year, surprised us at the final dinner event by performing this rap poem capturing his feelings about the experience he had had:

Food For Thought Rap

By Fosta Gee

Food for thought is who we are

We strive to be healthy and work hard

That’s our motto

And yes well follow it

Regardless if the day is hot or humid

We are all one great big family

Even if they’re some conflicts you see

But remember it’s not about you or me

It’s about playing a role in the community

That’s why we came to make a difference

Not for the money or because your parents wished it

Toss all those reasons out because they never were important

Because playing a role is always worth it

The Kimberton Crew is where it is at

Worked so hard that’s why we were done in a flash

That’s why we were so efficient time and again

Not caring about the work because it’s what you put in

And for all those groups that I forgot to include

You all did a great job and everyone approves

Made a lot of friends that I won’t forget

And I like to thank the staff because they’re the best

Ann Lisa and Becca thanks for all the car rides

And for putting up with my humor time after time

Mr. Hezi you are the man

And Mr. Dillon thanks for all the rides in the van

And thank you Ms. Erin for the interviewing skills

As well as the business aspect which I found to be a thrill

And last but not least is Mr. Mark

Thank you for all your help

Because you played such a big part

In what this program is

And how people view it

For me it’s an experience

That started out as a blue print

But after this

It became more than that

Because everyone knows Food for Thought is where it’s at.

Saturday evening, October 22nd, saw the West Pikeland township building transformed into an elegant dining and wine tasting room, as the 2011 Triskeles Wine Event, under the guidance of master chefs Barbara and  Charlie Orlando, gave guests an opportunity to sample world-class foods accompanied by wines from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The event raised well over $25,000 to support our wonderful youth programs! Many many thanks to all who came, and a special thank you to hosts Amanda Cabot, Peter Kjellerup, Moira Mumma, and Jim Norris.

(Click on the allona zone blog link at right for more great pictures and write up on this event)

Click on picture for the album:

Triskeles 2011 Wine Event–”A Delightful Experience”

The Chester County Food Bank dedicated its new facility in Guthriesville Monday evening Oct. 24th. A wonderful, warm event highlighting the dedication and commitment of the CCFB Board, staff, and–especially–volunteers. Friends from many organizations who work with the CCFB as well as individuals from Chester County joined all three county commissioners and State Senator Andy Dinniman in honoring all the work that makes CCFB work so well.

Our Green Intern RJ Jones from Coatesville helped pass out Triskeles literature–and learned an awful lot about community organizations, food banks, and how hunger is being addressed locally.

Click on picture to see album

Food Bank Dedication