A Fundraiser produced by Mayflower Brewing Company and Hawk Visuals
to benefit the South Shore Community Action Council
PRESS RELEASE / November 24, 2020 (Plymouth, MA) – On Monday, December 7, 2020 on PACTV, YouTube Live and Facebook Live, Mayflower Brewing Company will air the Fifth Annual America’s Hometown Throwdown Chef Competition produced by Hawk Visuals to benefit the South Shore Community Action Council’s Food Resources Program. The Program coordinates the collection, storage and distribution of emergency food relief for hungry people of all ages throughout the South Shore. The show kicks off at 7pm and is free to tune in, although donations are encouraged.
The event held at the brewery since 2016 has grown bigger and bigger each year. This year will be the most important yet. As a result of COVID-19, many food pantries in the area closed and have yet to re-open. With the closures of pantries, schools, early education centers, and Councils on Aging, combined with historically high levels of unemployment, SSCAC sees first-hand ever greater numbers of individuals and families who are facing food insecurity but are finding they have very few local options for assistance. SSCAC has worked to fill that void and meet the increased need in our communities. Since the start of the pandemic, SSCAC increased monthly food distribution of fresh and non-perishable food by 51% from 34,802 pounds in March 2020 to 52,649 pounds in August 2020. From March to August, SSCAC distributed 288,545 pounds of emergency food, the equivalent of nearly 222,000 meals. Over the summer, SSCAC distributed 1,300 bags of groceries per week to ensure families, children, and the elderly had enough to eat. Now more than ever, our neighbors are struggling and need help. So while the team at Mayflower Brewing Company knew they couldn’t bring the community together in the same way, they took the present need to heart and collaborated with Hawk Visuals to find an alternative way to put on the competition.
Mayflower, Hawk Visuals, along with generous business sponsors, invite the local community to come together from your own homes for the 5th and extra special edition of this amazing event! Six chefs from local restaurants, from Plymouth and beyond, will be participating in this virtual chef competition. The chefs include: Jim Casey {Mallebar Brasserie & Blue-Eyed Crab}, John Hamilton {Su Casa}, Rob Goldrick {Salt Raw Bar & Fine Cuisine}, Jes Childers {Mirbeau Inn & Spa}, and Henry Christian {Cork & Table}. The local celebrity judge panel includes Chef John Ricardo {Solstice Restaurant}, Farmer David Purpura {Plato’s Harvest and Plymouth Farmers’ Market}, and Restaurateur Karl Heine {New World Tavern}. The show will also star two local celebrity emcees Jordan Chabot {Speedwell Tavern} and Jake Hill {Main Street Sports}.
“It was amazing to see just how talented our local chefs are. It not only made for beautiful footage, but made us appreciate our favorite local food spots even more. The audience should expect to feel like they are right there in the kitchen with the chef; experiencing the sounds, smells and sights of what each unique restaurant offers,” said Matt Mulligan of Hawk Visuals.
The community will love watching two fast-paced rounds of cooking competitions as the six chefs are narrowed down to two, then to one winner. Unlike previous years where the cooking was all done on site at the brewery, this year’s production takes over each of the chefs’ restaurants to see what kind of heat they can bring from their own kitchens. Much like National cooking competition shows, there will be secret ingredients, limited time, and an exciting perspective on all the talent, creativity and skills that go into preparing a beautiful dish for three locally esteemed judges. Viewers can cheer on their favorite chefs/restaurants from their couches, as well as experience a unique presentation of these incredible local businesses that will likely have you making reservations for a night out on the town!
“I could not be more excited to be a part of this year’s America’s Hometown Throwdown. Mayflower Brewing, South Shore Community Action Council, Hawk Visuals and some of Plymouth’s most caring and hardworking restaurant industry people are proving yet again that nothing will stand in the way of bringing the community together and helping those in need. It’s honestly an absolute honor and even through the pandemic I believe this could be our best year yet! Let the games begin!” said Jordan Chabot of Speedwell Tavern, on his anticipation for the upcoming airing on December 7th.
To learn more about America’s Hometown Throwdown Chef Competition, visit: https://bit.ly/AHTD2020. To make a donation to South Shore Community Action Council, visit: http://weblink.donorperfect.
About Mayflower Brewing Company
Mayflower Brewing Company is a craft beer microbrewery located in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. Founded in 2007 by a tenth great grandson of John Alden, beer barrel cooper on board the Mayflower, Mayflower is dedicated to celebrating the history and legacy of the Pilgrims by creating unique, high-quality ales for the New England market. The team brews and packages all of their beer at their 12,000 square foot production facility in Plymouth and uses only traditional brewing methods and ingredients. Their product line includes a set of year-round beers that honor traditional English ales, seasonal beers that celebrate the New England weather, and small batch releases that give them a chance to try out new ideas. The tasting room is open to the public and is family (and pet) friendly, offering a variety of branded apparel, free samples, full tasting flights, pints and packaged beer. Due to the changing Covid regulations, the most up-to-date Beer Garden, taproom, and take-out window hours can be found at mayflowerbrewing.com.
About South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. in Plymouth
Since 1965, South Shore Community Action Council has provided a range of critical services to low-income individuals and families on the South Shore of Massachusetts. SSCAC works to eliminate poverty along the South Shore by providing low-income people with opportunities and supports for education, training, and work. SSCAC’s Food Resources Program provides nearly a half million pounds of food to low income children, families, and seniors each year. Through partnerships with Meals on Wheels programs at 9 Councils on Aging, Backpack Food for Kids programs at 14 elementary schools, and over 55 food assistance providers, SSCAC’s Food Resources Program has collaborated with community partners since 2002 to fight hunger and promote nutrition throughout the South Shore.
