VegRehoboth ThanksLiving Dinner set Nov. 20 to benefit Children’s Beach House

Rehoboth's all-vegan ThanksLiving dinner is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Children’s Beach House on the Delaware Bay. Proceeds from the event will benefit Children’s Beach House. The event will begin with a special panel presentation hosted by the Free Spirited Foundation on living holistically and with compassion.

“In the spirit of giving and having compassion for all, VegRehoboth is thrilled to be partnering with both,” said Tara Sheldon, president of VegRehoboth.

ThanksLiving Dinner is in its fourth year and features sit-down dining and a five-course meal, beginning with vegan hors d’oeuvres prepared by chef Paula Baker of the Children’s Beach House.

VegRehoboth set out this year to showcase more of the talented chefs in the region and to find a meaningful way to give back. Contributing to ThanksLiving 2016 will be James Beard nominee Hari Cameron of a(MUSE.) and Grandpa MAC, Jordan Bohall of Bethany Blues, Megan Kee and Craig Clifton of La Fable, Denise Vansant of Cave Girl at the Beach, Matt Reardon of Crooked Hammock, Gladys Fernandez of Cilantro, Keith Irwin of Old World Breads and Lisa McDonald of The Buttery.

“ThanksLiving is an excellent opportunity to sample the best food in Southern Delaware. Period,” said Hari Cameron of a(MUSE.) and Grandpa MAC. “As a chef I am happy and honored to present dishes that are plant-based. Whenever you get so many talented chefs celebrating local seasonal vegetables, you can’t go wrong.”  Cameron has been a participant in ThanksLiving every year since its inception.

This year’s vegan meal with all the trimmings will include traditional dishes highlighting seasonal local vegetables. A complimentary glass of wine, courtesy of Bin 66, is included with each meal. Sparkling apple cider, coffee, tea, and cucumber and rosemary-infused water will also be available. Dessert will be prepared by Denise Vansant of Cave Girl at the Beach. Guests may  choose between pumpkin cheesecake with maple rum sauce topped with jumbo crimson and golden grapes or vanilla chai chia pudding with caramelized toasted coconut bananas.

An addition this year will be a panel presentation on living holistically and with compassion hosted by Free Spirited Foundation. A naturopathic doctor, an herbalist and a shaman will be guiding the discussion, which will be followed by a meditation.

“Thanksgiving is a time to be thoughtful and thankful for our many blessings,” said Sheldon. “This year we wanted to do something special by giving back in a meaningful way. Serving children with special needs and so often marginalized, the Children’s Beach House couldn't be a more worthy cause.

"Thanksgiving need not be a dinner that causes suffering from animals or workers in the factories, or a devastating impact on the environment. It doesn't have to be that way. Every day we can make the choice to live and eat in ways that are beneficial to both our health and the environment, and of course the animals with whom we share this planet."

Organizers extend special thanks to sponsors, Jenn Harpel of Morgan Stanley, and all the chefs and restaurants and silent auction contributions to this special event. For the last three years tickets quickly sold out, so early purchase is advised. To purchase tickets, go to www.vegrehoboth.com or visit Good Earth Market in Rehoboth. To donate items to the silent auction benefitting the Children’s Beach House email info@vegrehoboth.org.