Community Spotlight: Spirits Raised in Support of Open Heart Kitchen

OHK Executive Director, John Bost (left), with Derek Penrice at the Open Heart Food Bank

One of the great things I’ve seen online recently is the wonderful co-mingling of cultures brought on by the World Cup. I’m not going to say that cultures are clashing, because they’re doing the opposite. People are finding real joy in shared likes: sports, national pride, and the occasional imbibing.

In that spirit, community, generosity, and a shared appreciation for a good single-malt recently came together in a Pleasanton garage. Long-time Open Heart Kitchen supporter Derek Penrice and his partner Maggie Buteau hosted 25 people over the course of a night in their home for a whiskey tasting event that raised funds to help provide nutritious meals and supportive services to anyone in need right here in the Tri-Valley. 

Single Malt with Friends for a Good Cause

Originally from Scotland, Derek is currently a member of the Pleasanton Malt Whiskey Circle (PMWC). “I’ve accumulated a large collection of Single Malt Scotch over the past dozen years. I attended a memorial service for an older friend in early January, at which his daughter gave away several boxes of whisky that he’d left behind. That got me thinking about what I was doing with my collection and the horrors of leaving a similar situation,” Derek shared with us. “That led to the idea of hosting an event, as whiskey is best drunk with friends.” 

A charity event was suggested by the PMWC. “I immediately thought of Open Heart Kitchen,” Derek told us. “I wanted to support a charity that benefits the local community.” Every donation made at the whiskey event helps Open Heart Kitchen continue serving thousands of meals to people, families, and seniors facing food insecurity. 

Members of the PMWC and local friends were in attendance (one person even brought their mother-in-law who was visiting from the UK!). Guests were welcomed into a curated warm and inviting space transformed into a tasting venue, where they sampled six different whiskeys from the Bunnahabhain distillery off the coast of Scotland. The gathering served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with neighbors coming together to support their community.

Making a Difference, One Glass at a Time

“I honestly had no expectations for how successful the event would be, but I knew that in our current situation there are a lot of people in need of help, and whatever we raised would go to a good cause,” Derek said. Luckily, the good cause was Open Heart Kitchen. After taking a tour of our facility, Derek told us: “I saw firsthand how important OHK is and the magnitude of the help needed in our community. So, yes if anyone is on the fence, get off the fence and make a difference!”

Events like this gathering demonstrate creative ways community members can make a difference. By opening up their garage and bringing people together with a shared interest, Derek and Maggie transformed a social gathering into an opportunity to give back. The result wasn’t just a successful fundraiser, but an evening filled with camaraderie, conversation, and compassion. Thank you to everyone who raised a glass in support of Open Heart Kitchen!

Derek, Maggie, and their friends at their whiskey tasting event

Support Open Heart Kitchen Outside the Garage

Open Heart Kitchen is lucky to have the support of groups across the Tri-Valley. We invite you and your group – whether it be a club, co-workers, schoolmates, or just family or friends – to help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors facing hunger. Support from groups like yours will help us provide nourishing meals, essential resources, and hope to individuals and families in need. 

Funds raised at events like the whiskey tasting ensure that no one goes hungry. Organizing a virtual fundraiser is a powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness about food insecurity and Open Heart Kitchen’s mission of addressing the issue. 

With your help, Open Heart Kitchen can reach new audiences and expand our impact. Together, we can fight hunger and build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a sense of hope. 

Interested in building out an event to benefit Open Heart Kitchen? We can help! Contact us now or visit our Community Fundraising Resource Hub to learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting difference.

Community Spotlight: Spirits Raised in Support of Open Heart Kitchen