Final month of Loving Spoonful fundraisers benefit the Love Kitchen.

“Never take the last piece of bread. Someone may come by in need of it” is one of the three principles guiding the Love Kitchen for more than 27 years. And in that spirit, we ask Knoxvillians to break bread with the Love Kitchen as The Tomato Head hosts its final month of Loving Spoonful fundraisers for 2015.

Join the Love Kitchen and The Tomato Head each Tuesday in December as they host fundraisers with a portion of the proceeds from all food and drink sales (beer & wine included) generated during lunch and dinner at both Tomato Head locations going directly to The Love Kitchen.

“The Love Kitchen is very excited to partner with The Tomato Head to raise money to help feed the people of our community. Since the Love Kitchen has no paid staff, 100% of the money donated goes directly to helping the people who need it the most,” said Patrick Riggins, President of the Love Kitchen.

On Tuesday, December 16, both Tomato Head locations host a pint night featuring RJ Rockers Brewing Company. When a customer orders any RJ Rockers on draft, they’ll get a free RJ Rockers pint glass while supplies last.

“Because they spread love and kindness through food, the Love Kitchen was an obvious choice to be our December Loving Spoonful partner,” said Mahasti Vafaie Tomato Head owner. “The fact that they are so immensely successful through an all-volunteer workforce means that nearly 100% of all donations go directly to homeless and homebound folks in our community.”

On February 14, 1986; the Love Kitchen first served 22 people in a small church in east Knoxville. Today, the Love Kitchen has its own building about 2 blocks from where it started and serves over 3,000 meals each week with more than eighty percent of those meals being delivered to homebound recipients.

For more information or interviews, please contact Patrick Riggins, The Love Kitchen President, at 865-546-3248 and thelovekitchen@gmail.com, or Michael Kuczmarski, The Tomato Head’s Marketing Director, at marketing@thetomatohead.com and 865-850-2318.

To donate directly to the Love Kitchen, visit http://www.thelovekitchen.org/donate/

About The Love Kitchen

The Love Kitchen, founded by sisters Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner, provides meals, clothing and emergency food packages to homebound, homeless and unemployed persons. The organization has no paid staff; all donations go to those who need it most. Their ultimate goal is to provide nourishment for anyone who is hungry and to establish a community center to serve as a safe haven supporting area children and their families.

About The Tomato Head

Opened in 1990, The Tomato Head is committed to helping the community by supporting sustainable agriculture, giving to East Tennessee nonprofits, and recycling its packaging waste. Its charitable donation program, Loving Spoonful, is a partnership between East Tennessee nonprofits and the restaurant. It consists of a series of Tuesday fundraisers with a percentage of the proceeds raised going to our community partner of the month.

Loving Spoonful fundraisers raise awareness of child abuse in East Tennessee

Join us each Tuesday in October as we host fundraisers to support victims of child abuse.  A portion of the proceeds from all food and drink sales generated during lunch and dinner at both Tomato Head locations goes directly to Childhelp Tennessee.

“Childhelp is thrilled to be partnering with our Friends the Tomato Head this October, said Hugh Nystrom, Director of Childhelp Tennessee. “I know Mahasti and Scott are committed to making Knoxville a safer place for children and we are grateful for their support.”

In 2013, Childhelp Tennessee investigated 1370 allegations of child abuse. By providing all services necessary to investigate abuse under one roof, they reduce secondary trauma to the child producing more reliable cases against the perpetrator so the child never has to experience abuse again.

“One of our target areas for Loving Spoonful partnerships is groups that work with children. Childhelp Tennessee provides crucial services to children who desperately need those services,” said Scott Partin, co-owner of The Tomato Head. “Because of the professionalism, thoughtfulness and thoroughness of the Childhelp program many kids have the chance to recover from terrible situations. We are honored to help on that process in any way we can.”

For more information or interviews, please contact Hugh Nystrom, Childhelp Tennessee Director, at 865-637-1753 and hnystrom@childhelp.org, or Michael Kuczmarski, The Tomato Head’s Marketing Director, at marketing@thetomatohead.com and 865-850-2318.

About Childhelp Tennessee

Since 1995, Childhelp’s East Tennessee Chapter, with the help of several community members and organizations, has served as an advocate for frightened and fragile victims of child abuse and neglect through two primary programs – the Children’s Center of East Tennessee and the Childhelp Foster Family Agency of East Tennessee. The Children’s Center provides all the services necessary to treat and investigate child abuse under one roof – medical personnel, law enforcement, child protection investigators and mental health professionals. The Childhelp Foster Family Agency of East Tennessee provides case management, foster homes and foster-to-adoption placements for children who are in the state foster care system. The program has been recognized as having one of the highest adoption percentages of any agency in the state of Tennessee.

Each Tuesday in August, a portion of the proceeds from all food and drink sales generated during lunch and dinner at both Tomato Head locations goes directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County. All donations to Imagination Library are matched 100% by the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County is very excited to partner with Tomato Head to have the opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of early literacy,” said Holly Kizer Imagination Library coordinator.

Imagination Library mails one new, age-appropriate book to any child under the age of five in Knox County, at no cost to the family, and this partnership will enable us to reach additional children in the community.

Over 69% of all Knox County children under the age of five receive books from Imagination Library. One of the many benefits of enrolling children in the program is that they show positive performance in almost every demographic category tested including race, gender, socio-economic status and mobility when measured against peers who are non-participants.

“It is a great honor for us to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County. Our kids participated in the Imagination Library program and they were so excited to get the books each month. We hope that the program can continue to grow to bring that monthly joy to more and more children,” said Tomato Head owner Mahasti Vafaie.

For more information or interviews, please contact Holly Kizer, Imagination Library Coordinator, at 865-215-8784 and hkizer@knoxlib.org, or Michael Kuczmarski, The Tomato Head’s Marketing Director, at marketing@thetomatohead.com and 865-850-2318.

Interested in enrolling your child? Click the Imagination Library of Knox County logo below.

We believe in the power of community.

Supporting our neighbors is part of our responsibility not only as business people but also as citizens of our city. As such, The Tomato Head is committed to teaming up with East Tennessee organizations to enrich the lives of the less fortunate in our community.

We ask you to join us every month as we break bread and raise a pint for a deserving local organization by attending one of our Loving Spoonful fundraisers.

Loving Spoonful is a partnership between East Tennessee nonprofits, regional craft breweries, Flour Head Bakery and The Tomato Head. We’ll hold a series of fundraisers every month at both Tomato Head locations with a percentage of the proceeds raised going to our community partner.

We launched our program in February 2014 with proceeds benefiting one of Knoxville’s biggest supporters of local culture as well as being a valuable independent voice – WUTK 90.3 UT’s College of Rock. WUTK receives zero financial support for the University of Tennessee and funds were raised for a much needed audio board. Blue Pants Brewery kicked off our year by supplying delicious craft beer from Madison, AL for our WUTK special events.

The East Tennessee nonprofits we’ve celebrated in the first half of 2014 include Junior Achievement in March with Highland Brewing Company as our brewery partner,  Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Foothills Brewing Company in April, Beardsley Community Farm and French Broad Brewing Company, Ijams Nature Center and Turtle Anarchy in June. July’s charitable partner is the Clarence Brown Theatre with Yazoo Brewing Company from Nashville as our tasty craft beer provider.

We have future fundraisers planned for Imagination Library/Knox County Libraries in August, Friends of Literacy in September, Childhelp USA in October, The Muse of Knoxville in November, and we end the year in December with fundraisers for Knoxville’s favorite set of twins, Helen and Ellen from the Love Kitchen.

Why the change?

By concentrating our energies on one nonprofit per month, we are better able to measure the impact of our giving as well as direct more money to and create greater awareness of each organization. Your continued support of The Tomato Head will further our charitable giving.

Each Tuesday of the month, a portion of the proceeds from all food and drink sales generated during lunch and dinner at both Tomato Head locations goes directly to nonprofit partner of the month.

GIVING POLICY

Because of the significant number of donation requests we receive, we have put the following criteria and guidelines in place.

To be eligible for participation in our charitable giving program, preference is given to secular 501(c)3 groups that maintain a focus within the following areas:

• Women & Children – Dedicated to the well-being of women and children with a particular interest in serving children with special needs, survivors of domestic violence, or at-risk populations in our community.
• Arts, Culture & Humanities – Focused on preserving, commemorating and celebrating the artistic and cultural heritage of East Tennessee, including studio artists, performance art groups, public broadcasters, schools and museums.
• Human Services – Attend to the housing needs of the homeless, feeding the hungry, or providing literacy programs for children and adults.
• Environment – Promote conservation and sustainable management of land, water, plant and energy resources; promote preservation and appreciation of environment, including outdoor activities.

WE DO NOT FUND

• Educational Institutions (Exceptions are made for organizations within a university.)
• Endowment Campaigns
• Direct grants or scholarships to individuals
• Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns
• Advertising in charitable publications
• Sports Organizations
• Labor Groups
• Conferences, galas and charity balls

HOW TO BECOME A TOMATO HEAD PARTNER:

All applications submitted must include the following information:

• Organization’s Name, Address and Office Phone Number (we do not mail to P.O. Box addresses)
• Organization’s IRS 501(c)3 number
• Organization’s mission statement
• Current roster of officers and board members
• Summary of past year’s program service accomplishments with demonstrative results from previous fundraisers. For example, donating $10 provides (x) amount of services or feeds (x) number of people. See how Friends of Literacy describe their accomplishments (http://friendsofliteracy.org/donate/).
• Three (3) most recent Form 990
• Contact Person’s Name, Phone Number and Email Address

WHAT WE EVALUATE

Each charity is evaluated on two bases – alignment of charitable mission with our values as described above and the following financial performance metrics; these include but are not limited to program expenses, administrative expenses, fundraising expenses and fundraising efficiency. Financial efficiency metrics are based on criteria and benchmarks set by bbb.org, charitynavigator.org, givewell.org and guidestar.org.

WHO TO CONTACT

All requests must be submitted in writing on the organization’s letterhead (mail or email) to:

The Tomato Head

Attn: Michael Kuczmarski

12 Market Square
Knoxville, TN 37902

Or, submit your proposal to marketing@thetomatohead.com (Attn: Michael Kuczmarski)

The application deadline is 5PM EST, October 1 of current year to be considered for the next year’s partnership. No phone or in-person requests will be accepted other than materials dropped off for consideration.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Season of the Clarence Brown Theatre by joining us for these special fundraisers throughout July. The funds raised will be directed back into providing a cultural resource for both the University of Tennessee and the East Tennessee community.

A portion of the proceeds generated at each event goes directly to the Clarence Brown Theatre.

• All month (Breaking Bread Fundraiser) Proceeds from the sale of any type of Flour Head Bakery bread at both Tomato Head locations goes to the theater.
• July 22 (Pint Night Fundraiser)Featuring Yazoo Brewing Company‘s Summer Seasonal wheat ale. The CBT receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every draft beer from any brewery.
• July 29 (Sandwich Day Fundraiser) Both Tomato Head locations will offer a special Clarence Brown Theatre sandwich.

You can also register to win TWO 8-show Preview Night subscriptions, $75 Tomato Head gift card plus a Clarence Brown Theatre swag bag including a canvas tote, pint glass, travel mug, umbrella, and T-shirt.  Also included in our giveaway is a brewery tour of Yazoo for a guest and a friend, and two hotel rooms in Nashville. ($1000 value)

Stop by either Tomato Head location today and ask your server how to enter. Drawing will be held July 31.

“We are excited to work with the CBT as our July Loving Spoonful partner. CBT is an extraordinary contributor to the cultural scene in Knoxville,” said Scott Partin, Tomato Head co-owner. “Its annual play calendar spans the breadth of live theater, from drama to comedy with a blend of shows that can entertain the whole family or the serious theater lover. Institutions like the CBT add an incalculable richness to life in Knoxville.”

Learn how you can make a donation today by clicking on the CBT logo.

Donate to the Clarence Brown Theatre today!

The Tomato Head celebrates one of Knoxville’s oldest and largest parks.

We invite you to join us throughout June as we fundraise for Knoxville’s most beloved park, Ijams Nature Center. Ijams offers over 300 acres of protected wildlife habitat and natural areas with over 12 miles of trails as well as convenient access to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. As a member and visitor supported nonprofit, your generous donations are needed to continue its ongoing legacy.

“Ijams is excited to partner with Tomato Head and their Loving Spoonful program for the month of June. All of the proceeds for the month will go towards programs to get kids in the Knoxville area active and outdoors,” said Mary Thom Adams, Development Coordinator. “The mission of Ijams is to provide engaging outdoor experiences for all people, and with the help of Tomato Head, we are working towards a happier and healthier community here in East Tennessee.”

A portion of the proceeds generated at each event go directly to Ijams Nature Center.

• All month (Breaking Bread Fundraiser) Proceeds from the sale of any type of Flour Head Bakery bread at both Tomato Head locations goes to Ijams.
• June 12 (Sandwich Day Fundraiser) Both Tomato Head locations will offer a special Ijams Nature Center sandwich.
• June 17 (Pint Night Fundraiser)Featuring Turtle Anarchy Brewing Company’s “More Than Meets the Rye” double dry hopped IPA.

“Ijams is such a positive force in our community that they were an easy choice as Loving Spoonful partners.  Their work at preserving our natural environment and making their campus open and inviting for all of Knoxville to enjoy is paralleled only by the beauty of the Ijams park itself,” said Tomato Head co-owner Scott Partin.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!

Stop by either Tomato Head location to register to win a pair of tickets to WDVX’s Meadow Lark Festival on June 28 and a family membership to Ijams. The drawing will be held on June 25. You gotta stop by one of the locations to enter.

The Tomato Head celebrates the sustainable urban gardening efforts of CAC Beardsley Community Farm with their next round of Loving Spoonful fundraisers. Join us throughout May to help raise much needed funds for farm improvements and further Beardsley Farm’s community outreach.

“The farm is very excited to benefit from the Tomato Head’s Loving Spoonful fundraiser! The Tomato Head has been tremendously supportive of CAC Beardsley Community Farm for over ten years. We look forward to a successful month with the Tomato Head and encourage all lovers of Beardsley, the Tomato Head, and good food to attend this worthy cause,” said Beardsley’s Farm Manager Khann Chov.

“Funds raised from the Loving Spoonful benefit will go towards Beardsley Farm’s operating budget including paying for utilities, and building materials to repair irrigation, signage, and garden beds. CAC Beardsley Community Farm grows over 4,000 pounds of produce with the help of numerous community volunteers. All of this food is donated to those in need in Knoxville. ”

CAC Beardsley Community Farm is an urban demonstration site that has promoted food security and sustainable urban agriculture through practice, education, and community outreach since 1998. All of the vegetables raised at CAC Beardsley Farm are donated to Family Crisis Center, Mobile Meals, Global Seeds, Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM), and Western Heights Baptist Center.

“We selected Beardsley Community Farm because their mission of educating the public about natural food and the benefits of growing and eating your own crops is essential to creating a local food shed in East Tennessee,” said Tomato Head co-owner Scott Partin.

Proceeds generated at each event goes directly to Beardsley Community Farm.

• All month (Breaking Bread Fundraiser) Proceeds from the sale of any type of Flour Head Bakery bread at both Tomato Head locations goes to Beardsley Farm.
• May 13 (Sandwich Day Fundraiser) Both Tomato Head locations will offer a special Beardsley Farm sandwich.
• May 20 (Pint Night Fundraiser) Featuring French Broad Brewing Company’s Ryehopper Rye Pale Ale.

For more information or interviews, please contact Khann Chov, Farm Manager of CAC Beardsley Community Farm, at 865-546-8446 and beardsleyfarm@gmail.com, or Michael Kuczmarski, The Tomato Head’s Marketing Director, at marketing@thetomatohead.com and 865-850-2318.

About CAC Beardsley Community Farm

CAC Beardsley Community Farm is an urban demonstration site that has promoted food security and sustainable urban agriculture through practice, education, and community outreach since 1998. The mission of the farm is to educate people of all ages about the possibilities and methods of organic and sustainable urban gardening. Beardsley Farm also gives support and tools to community members to help them grow their own food, and teach about the financial and environmental benefits of home food production. All of the vegetables raised at CAC Beardsley Farm are donated to Family Crisis Center, Mobile Meals, Global Seeds, Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM), and Western Heights Baptist Center.

About The Tomato Head

Opened in 1990, The Tomato Head is committed to helping the community by supporting sustainable agriculture, giving to East Tennessee nonprofits, and recycling its food and packaging waste. Its new charitable donation program, Loving Spoonful, is a partnership between East Tennessee nonprofits, regional craft breweries and the restaurant. It consists of a series of fundraisers and special events with a percentage of the proceeds raised going to our community partner of the month.

Good morning,

Your last chance to raise money this month for WUTK by participating in our Loving Spoonful fundraisers is next Tuesday, February 25. We’re hosting a Blue Pants Brewery inspired beer dinner. Call 584-1075 for reservations. Seating is limited. $45 ticket with $10 from each ticket going to the UT’s College of Rock.