MSU’s 2010 Hoophouse Gala Raises $24,550 for Student Scholarships

Supported by MSU’s Division of Residential and Hospitality Services, the 2010 Hoophouse Gala was held on the MSU Student Organic Farm grounds on September 12. More than 200 guests came together to enjoy a local and sustainable harvest dinner, and raised $24,550 to create scholarships for the training and education of a next generation of Michigan’s organic farmers.

Guests were presented with Michigan wines and a five-course meal prepared by MSU’s award-winning Spartan chefs and showcased products from Michigan farms. In addition to the proceeds from event admission and donations, attendees contributed nearly $4,000 to the event’s silent auction.

This second annual event is part of a growing partnership between the Division and the MSU Student Organic Farm. The Division’s Spartan Harvest Program features 100 percent certified-organic produce, grown at the farm, using sustainable agriculture techniques to maximize local production and positive environmental impact. An unheated passive solar greenhouse, or hoophouse, located on the farm, is used to grow and sell produce to the Division for on-campus residential dining services through the program.

Spartan Harvest Program produce is currently featured in the all-new Brody Square dining hall and Yakeley Hall’s salad bar. Organic special salads made with produce from the farm are also featured monthly in The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips dining hall, with ingredients harvested by the hall’s Executive Chef Eric Batten and a student cook.

“It’s exciting to be able to build on our collaborations with the farm,” said Vennie Gore, assistant vice president for the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services. “By helping fund scholarships for MSU’s student farmers, we’re investing in their futures and our own as we continue to serve campus-grown, certified-organic produce – grown by students, for students.”