At Catering by John Lowe, we believe that food brings people together—not just for celebrations, but also for causes that make a difference. We were recently honored to cater a gala fundraiser for Jan's Circle of Friends, an organization dedicated to turning victims into survivors by funding programs that provide professional care and support to children affected by domestic violence and parental loss.
An Evening of Support and Solidarity
The IronSpire Complex in Adamstown, PA was transformed into a gathering place of hope and generosity. Over 200 guests came together to support a mission that provides children with the resources they need to thrive despite life’s challenges. It was an evening filled with community, compassion, and of course, an exquisite dining experience designed to honor this incredible cause.
A Thoughtfully Curated Menu
We carefully crafted a menu to complement the evening’s purpose—delightful, comforting, and sophisticated dishes that brought people together over shared plates and shared goals.
Cocktail Reception | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
To set the stage for the evening, guests enjoyed an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, both displayed and butlered.
Displayed Hors d’oeuvres:
International and Domestic Cheeses: Served with fresh baguettes, crisp water crackers, and whole grain honey mustard, beautifully garnished with tropical fruits and berries.
Garden Fresh Crudité: Accompanied by freshly prepared spinach and feta dip as well as creamy peppercorn ranch.
Butlered Hors d’oeuvres:
Nashville Hot Chicken Bite – A crispy, spicy favorite.
Hoisin and Spring Onion Marinated Beef Skewers – Packed with bold flavors.
Goat Cheese Mousse with Spicy Bacon and Sweetened Walnuts in Filo – A bite-sized indulgence.
Crispy Fried Asian Dumpling with Ginger Garlic Sauce – A savory delight.
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers – A balance of sweet and savory.
Pita Chips with Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip – A creamy, irresistible dip.
Dinner Service | 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Guests then transitioned to a sit-down meal that embodied the warmth of a family gathering. The first course, a Classic Caesar Salad, was served family-style, encouraging conversation and connection at the table.
For the main course, each guest enjoyed individually plated entrées featuring:
Roast Tenderloin of Beef (Filet Mignon) – Served with a rich Bordeaux sauce for an indulgent main course.
Chicken Française – Light and elegant, served with lemon chive beurre blanc.
Crispy Risotto Cake – A vegetarian option featuring spinach, parmesan, and a drizzle of charred tomato coulis and sweet basil.
Accompanying Sides:
Garlic Smashed Potatoes – Creamy and flavorful.
Roasted Spring Vegetable Medley – A vibrant assortment of seasonal vegetables.
Bakery Fresh Rolls with Butter – The perfect accompaniment to the meal.
A Night to Remember
The work that Jan’s Circle of Friends does is life-changing. Losing a parent to death or incarceration is an unimaginable hardship, and without proper care, children can be left to navigate life’s challenges alone. This organization ensures that these children receive professional support, guidance, and love so they can grow into strong, capable individuals.
By attending this event and enjoying this thoughtfully prepared meal by Catering by John Lowe, guests were not just indulging in fine cuisine—they were investing in the futures of children who need it most. The evening continued with a heartfelt message from a guest speaker, an exciting live auction, and raffles filled with fantastic prizes—all adding meaning, energy, and generosity to a night dedicated to making a difference. As a result, Jan's Circle of Friends raised more money than ever before – A jaw-dropping $50,615.22 was raised to support their mission!
Sweet Endings & Sincere Moments
At 8:00 PM, guests were treated to a visually stunning and delicious family-style dessert course. Each table received a rustic wooden platter artfully arranged with desserts provided by the client, Sweets Street, offering a sweet finale that was as beautiful as it was indulgent. Alongside dessert, a premium dark roast coffee station was open from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, giving guests the perfect pairing to wind down and continue conversations sparked by this delightful evening.
A Grateful Reflection
Catering by John Lowe was proud to be part of this meaningful evening. The generosity, support, and shared sense of purpose in the room were truly inspiring. Whether through attending, donating, or spreading awareness, every effort helped turn victims into survivors.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an impactful event and look forward to continuing our support for Jan’s Circle of Friends in the future. Here’s to more nights filled with great food, great company, and an even greater purpose!