On Tuesday November 7th before our Hampshire House meeting, our New England NACE board members got together for a wonderful volunteer opportunity, Birthday-in-a-Box!  “The Birthday-in-a-Box (BIAB) Program was created in 2005 to serve homeless children in domestic violence shelters, scattered sites, motels, and other locations which cannot accommodate Birthday Wishes Party Coordinators. The BIAB Program allows Birthday Wishes to reach homeless children in almost any living situation.  Party supplies are carefully packaged inside a brightly wrapped box and delivered to the program, agency, motel, or other facility for distribution to families, along with a bag of wrapped gifts for the birthday celebrant.  Each birthday box contains everything necessary for a great birthday celebration.”

Our NACE board created 10 birthday boxes which included boxes of cake mix, jars of frosting, cake pans, juice boxes or mini water bottles, candles, cutlery, napkins, plates, tablecloths & the essential décor supplies – party hats, balloons, streamers and more.  The hardest part?  Wrapping big boxes and the tops to those boxes!  With some struggles and a lot of laughter along the way, our amazing NACE board proudly finished the task at hand knowing that they were making a great difference.

New England NACE has received feedback from shelter staff that this program has been empowering for the families and we are more than excited that we were able to take the time to impact ten lives.  The BIAB Program reaches a total of about 3,000 homeless children per year and it shows us all how such a simple idea can make a huge difference.  Thank you to our board members!

We at NACE would love to hear from you.  In the comments below, let us know if you have any thoughts on our time creating birthday boxes.   Thank you for sharing!

New England NACE went all out for our annual Industry Trends Showcase at the stunning Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. Six local designers presented some of their most on-trend work at the October event, starting with the exciting and lavish food menu.

 Members and guests arrived at the GL rotunda to Executive Chef David Todisco's Seasonal Fall Appetizer Display and delicious Specialty Cocktail - Red Apple Sangria Garnished with a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries.

After cocktails and apps, and lots of anticipation, the ballroom was opened and guests were invited in to passed hors d’oeuvres including Truffle Pommes Frites with Garlic Aioli & served in paper cones; WITH Kicked Up Beef Sliders with Spicy Ketchup, Applewood Bacon, Cheddar, Onion Jam; Miniature Mushroom and Brie Pizza with Grated Romano, Truffle Oil, Lobster Tempura, Honey Ponzu Duck Confit, Fried Polenta, Cherry Glaze.

Our own superstar, Michelle Reid, made sure that food trends were covered all night including a most popular Mobile Pretzel Cart with Soft Pretzels in Classic, Almond, Garlic Parmesan flavors, served with Brown Mustard, Honey Mustard, Cheese Dip and Marinara Sauce.

Stationary appetizer stations included Shrimp and Chicken Lettuce Wraps accompanied by Avocado, Carrot, Bean Sprouts, Pickled Ginger, Chopped Peanuts & Cashews, Crispy Wonton, Julienne Cucumber, Cilantro, Red & Yellow Peppers.  These were topped with various sauces including Sweet Chili, Peanut, Ponzu, Sriracha & Hoisin. WOW.

In keeping with the trend for themed stations, Granite Links offered a Pork themed station that included:  Scallop Wrapped with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Maple Drizzle Skillet; BLT Cherry Tomato - Applewood Bacon, Green Leaf Lettuce, Toasted Brioche Crumb Lemon Aioli Olive Trays; Carolina Pulled Pork Sliders, Apple Slaw Tavern Pizza Boards; Korean Barbeque Ribs Wok Mini Carnitas Taco, Cilantro-Lime Slaw, Mango Salsa and Tavern Pizza Boards.

To be sure, no one left the event hungry!

We at NACE would love to hear from you about your favorite food trends.  Thank you for sharing!