Lidia Bastianich headlines Person to Person fundraiser

Caption for the two photos: Chef Lidia Bastianich will join Debra Ponzek of Aux Délices for a conversation about food and business at Person to Person”™s “Transforming Lives” luncheon Thursday, Oct. 27 at Greenwich Country Club. Photographs courtesy Person to Person (P2P).

Person to Person (P2P), a nonprofit provider of essential services for some 25,000 people in Fairfield County, will hold its “Transforming Lives” luncheon benefit on Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Greenwich County Club, with Lidia Bastianich as the special guest. 

The Emmy Award-winning PBS chef, cookbook author, restaurateur and entertainment entrepreneur will join James Beard Award-winning Debra Ponzek, owner of”¯Aux Délices in downtown Greenwich, Riverside, Darien and Westport, for a conversation about everything from Bastianich”™s time as a child refugee in Trieste, Italy to how food inspired her business success.  

Luncheon guests will enjoy a three-course gourmet meal curated by Bastianich from her favorite recipes and prepared by the country club”™s executive chef, Alejandro Abad. All guests will receive a signed copy of Bastianich”™s latest cookbook, “A Pot, A Pan, and a Bowl.””¯”¯ 

The event will feature a pre-luncheon meet and greet with Bastianich for up to 30 guests. These guests have the opportunity to speak with her and receive a personally signed copy of her memoir, “My American Dream.” (Meet and Greet tickets include the luncheon.)”¯ 

Bastianich is a long-time supporter of P2P, having donated her time and food to the organization, which offers those in need three food pantries, a clothing center, caseworker assistance, a Financial Opportunity Center, emergency financial assistance, college scholarships and summer camperships.”¯During the pandemic, Bastianich donated Lidia’s pasta and sauce to feed thousands of families through the P2P food pantries.”¯ 

“I am honored to be part of this year”™s P2P ”˜Transforming Lives”™ luncheon,” she said in a statement. “The incredible work Person to Person does to provide people with essential services like food and financial assistance is life-changing. As someone who was forced to leave their home at 9 years old and create a new life, I can relate to many of the families P2P helps.””¯ 

”¯”¯Event corporate sponsors include Conair, Bankwell, Baywater Properties, Palmer’s Market, Pitney Bowes, U.S. Chemicals LLC , Hat Attack, Troy Insurance, DR Bank, Xerox, Aux Délices, Lidia’s Italy, Barrett Bookstore and”¯Courtyard & Residence Inn Stamford Downtown. 

”¯”¯To purchase tickets, click here.”¯