Highlights from the Transforming Lives Luncheon with Featured Guest Lidia Bastianich

Person to Person’s Transforming Lives Luncheon was a huge success! Held at the lovely Greenwich Country Club on October 27th, the event included an engaging conversation between featured guest Lidia Bastianich with Debra Ponzek, touching on many topics ranging from her experience as a refugee in Europe, coming to America, and the role of food and family in her life.

Special Meet & Greet guests enjoyed one on one time with Lidia prior to the Luncheon and everyone enjoyed the gourmet lunch which was personally selected by Lidia. Dishes included an Arugula Salad and Crostata, followed by Lidia’s One-Pan Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana and ending with a simply delicious One-Bowl Olive Oil Cake and Red Wine Poached Pears. Every attendee received an autographed copy of Lidia’s latest cookbook, Lidia’s a Pot, a Pan, and a Bowl cookbook, and can now recreate some of the Luncheon recipes at home.

In addition to it being a memorable afternoon, we brought in important funds to support P2P’s vision of educated, financially stable, and hunger-free homes. Yesterday’s event raised more than $225,000. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s contributions.

There is still time for those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to support our work. Use your phone to TEXT your gift by simply texting: “transforming” to 76278, follow the prompts and you will receive a link to make your 100% secure gift by credit card. Alternatively, you may go to the event website p2phelps.org/TLL and follow the prompts.

Thanks to Christina Johnson Wolff and Michelle Lappas, who served as Co-Chairs. The event committee worked tirelessly behind the scenes to produce an engaging and delicious Luncheon. Committee members include Nancy-Jean Bono, Andrew Brown, Kim Brown, Cathy de Graaff, Allison Gagliardi, BJ Gedney, Mimi Griffith, Noelle Heffernan, Eden Huang, Sarah Lippman, Christina Mason, Angela Riley, Jessica St. Angelo, Holly Schulz, Eileen Sussan, Julianna Spain, Holly Wainwright and Joel Weiss.

Special thanks to all participants and the event sponsors who made the event possible, including: Conair, the Riccardi Family, the Johnson Wolff Family, Bankwell, Baywater Properties, Palmer’s Market, Pitney Bowes, US Chemicals, a Woman-Owned Company, Troy Insurance, Hat Attack, DR Bank, Marriott, Xerox, Barrett Bookstore, Moffly Media, Aux Délices and Lidia’s Italy.

Enjoy some select event photos below and stay tuned for more event photos and a link to Lidia’s entire interview with Debra.