The Holiday Spirit: Shopping That Matters
The army of ants marching through shopping aisles seeking holiday bargains usually draws little attention. But when bargain hunting turns into supporting the community, there is more to be said. The preview sale at the New Castle, Delaware, US headquarters for Emile Henry is way more than pre-Black Friday bargain hunters looking to save a few dollars. Rather, Stock up for Seniors is the premier shopping event benefiting Meals on Wheels Delaware with a spirited retail bent and honest goodness. How does buying cookware drive good mojo back into the community?
Now in its tenth year supporting Meals on Wheels, Emile Henry’s US founder Alan Senior has built a connection that is both palpable and heartfelt “in the spirit of holiday giving, in more than one way” he explains. This annual evening of shopping, cooking demos, sampling, and supporting the members of the community who are dealing with food insecurity helps make the retail revelry that much more meaningful.
“Food should make you happy,” beamed Senior. “We have a great relationship with Meals on Wheels. Even being national, we want to support local.”
Given the elevated cookware portfolio of Emile Henry and the nature of Meals on Wheels, the partnership is clutch. The distributor provides the venue space at their warehouse center in New Castle, and provides a percentage of the evening’s sales to support the Meals on Wheels mission to feed hungry seniors throughout the state. “We want to give back to an organization that appreciates the help and that we can relate to,” Senior added.
Veterans of the Stock up for Seniors event know the drill, neatly managing their time by taking a spot in line shortly after lunch for a 5:30 p.m. kick-off. “It’s like Christmas coming here,” said one shopper fervently passing through the just-opened doors. “You never what you’ll find, but it’s always great!” she declared as she navigated the stacks of Mauviel copperware.
The spirited annual sale brings out casual cooks, serious culinarians, gift givers, and professional chefs. Spotted at the October 25 opening evening event was chef Robbie Jester, the food force behind High Five Hospitality’s roaringly successful Stone Balloon Ale House as well as a Food Network veteran guest, grabbing some great deals but also doing a lot more than saving. “Personally and professionally, I support Meals on Wheels as much as possible,” said Jester. “This event is just another example of them being great people.” Jester is often spotted supporting other Meals on Wheels Delaware events, like The Ultimate Tailgate annual fall event, with his crowd-drawing cooking style and his talent to beat Bobby Flay.
Adding to the opening evening’s festivities were chef demonstrations by caterer Chrissy Donahue of Cuisinatrix and chef Tom Pennell from Brio Tuscan Grille, who tempted browsers and buyers with dishes prepared front and center. Donahue made quick work of her chicken schnitzel with herbed spaetzle and caramelized onions. Pennell took a piquant approach with spicy shrimp over Romano-crusted eggplant with black pepper cream. “Can’t say enough about being here,” cheered Pennell. “Excited to show our support for Meals on Wheels!”
Emile Henry kicks open the doors just in time to usher the preseason shoppers, while Meals on Wheels harvests the benefits of having a good-natured neighbor looking to make a difference. The bow on top? Shoppers get to enjoy real savings on gorgeous high-end cookware while putting food on somebody else’s table. All in the true spirit of the season.
Support Meals on Wheels at MealsOnWheelsDE.org
Shop Emile Henry at EmileHenryUSA.com
