(L-R): Amy Belmore of HFHGP, Peter Brown of Tiny & Sons, Chef Andrew Rivera-Myers, and Geni Medeiros, volunteer.

As nonprofit organizations struggle with how to hold fundraisers in this pandemic environment, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth (HFHGP; www.hfhplymouth.org) is happy to announce the success of its first virtual fundraiser – “Cookin’ for a Cause,” which featured Chef Andrew Rivera-Myers and raised $1,680 late last month. The funds raised will benefit the final construction phase of three affordable homes in Plymouth.

Sponsored by Tiny & Sons, the event featured Chef Rivera-Myers, owner of The Artisan Pig, a restaurant that will be opening later this fall on Court Street in Plymouth. Participants learned how to make Caprese Sausage, a roasted tomato and mozzarella sausage, an heirloom tomato salsa with balsamic reduction, and a roasted sriracha ranch potato salad. Beer and wine pairing tips were also be offered and the event concluded with live Q&A with the Chef. The event was filmed at PACTV in Plymouth.

In addition to donating his time for the demonstration, Chef Rivera-Myers also added a gift certificate for a dinner for four at his restaurant, which HFHGP raffled off to raise even more funds.

All proceeds are being directed to benefit the ongoing construction of three homes underway on Long Pond Road in Plymouth, two of which are designated for military Veterans. Due to the ongoing pandemic, HFHGP was forced to cancel four in-person fundraisers; this virtual format was an important first, as they seek to raise critical funds.

“Thanks so much to everyone for their support and certainly to Chef Rivera-Myers for making our first virtual fundraiser such a success,” said Jim Middleton, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth. “Of course, it was different than getting together in person, but it was nice to see all the happy faces and hear the enjoyment in people’s voices. This kind of event keeps us active in the community and helps us build connections and relationships, as well as share the message and the mission of Habitat, and we were thrilled with the result!”

The Artisan Pig is a wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted sausage restaurant coming soon to downtown Plymouth. Chef Rivera-Myers is a graduate of Johnson and Wales and has worked under renowned chefs across the country. He is excited to bring his passion to Plymouth and donated his time with this event to help HFHGP. His wife, Samantha, a Plymouth native, is also a Johnson and Wales graduate and will help manage the restaurant.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth is a registered non-profit organization with a mission of providing decent affordable housing in the region. Their office, along with its ReStore, is located at 160 N. Main Street in Carver and the service area includes Plymouth, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Plympton and Lakeville. In addition to complete home builds, they also make repairs on existing homes that are essential for health and safety. An application process is required for those interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner and for home repairs. HFHGP is continuously seeking volunteers, financial support, and furniture/building material donations to the ReStore. More information, volunteer sign-up, and applications can be found at www.hfhplymouth.org, and readers are encouraged to follow HFHGP and HFHGP ReStore on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Questions can be directed to info@hfhplymouth.org or 508-866-4188.