Sussex Habitat hosts intercontinental food and tablescape fundraiser

Dressed in traditional Día de los Muertos attire, Dionisia Coffman asks a guest at the first Sussex County Habitat for Humanity Intercontinental Food and Tablescape Fundraiser if they want a chicken or beef tamale. 

For Coffman, the traditional Mexican holiday honors her ancestors and remembers them in a fun and loving way. The Intercontinental Food and Tablescape Fundraiser was a way for her to share in that culture and tradition. 

Mexico was one of 10 countries represented outside the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lewes Aug. 5.

Underneath a tent filled with excited guests, each country had an elaborate tablescape, garnished with design elements and decor specific to its culture. Each country also had its own food table which presented a variety of dishes and bites for guests to try. Food and tablescapes were created by local restaurants, business owners and event planners.

Upon arrival at the event, each guest received a “passport” or brown paper bag which contained a ballot for them to vote on their favorite food and tablescape. A secret judge was also walking around taking votes.

Mother and daughter Joy and Ellen Shapiro were looking for a “foodie” event local to the area when a friend told them about the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity event. “We were glad it was also an event we could donate to,” said Joy Shapiro, who worked with a chapter of Habitat for Humanity with her sorority in college.

Katie Green, co-owner of Taste Events, who represented the Philippines at the event, also has a close tie with SCHFH. 

“We partner up with SCHFH for pretty much every event because we are near and dear to their cause,” she said. 

For executive director of SCHFH Kevin Gilmore, finding restaurants and event planners to participate in the event was not hard. “This is a really giving community here in Sussex County,” he said.

The funds raised by this event will directly benefit low-income Sussex County families and their housing needs, Gilmore said. SCHFH builds affordable homes and conducts in-home repairs for Sussex residents. SCHFC also works to improve the energy efficiency of homes in order to reduce energy bills. 

“We help people inside their houses so they can have a healthy and stable lifestyle,” Gilmore said. 

As the evening came to a close, the Philippines of Taste Events took the win for best food by both the popular vote and the secret judge. The Japan tablescape by Styled events and floral design won the popular vote. The Brazil tablescape of Salvaged home furnishing and decor was chosen as best tablescape by the judge. 

Although SCHFH is specific to Sussex County, Habitat for Humanity’s impact is worldwide, Gilmore said, which was the inspiration for an international event. Residents can expect more SCHFH events to come.

To access housing resources, visit www.sussexcountyhabitat.org or stop by ReStore in Lewes.