MEDIA CONTACT: HONOR LYDON 617-441-8600 For Immediate Release LOCAL CHEFS SUPPORT SECOND CHANCES “Flavors of Fall” Now in its Sixth Year Cambridge, MA . . . (October 7, 2009) For the sixth year in a row, BostonChefs.com is bringing together the top chefs from Cambridge and Somerville for Flavors of Fall, the area’s best and longest running fall tasting extravaganza. This year’s beneficiary is Second Chances, a local nonprofit that collects and distributes clothing free-of-charge to homeless and lower income people who are clients of Cambridge and Somerville shelters, service providers, and anti-poverty agencies. On November 9, from 5:30 until 8:30 PM, eleven great dining destinations will be represented at Regattabar in The Charles Hotel, serving savory and sweet selections from their autumn menus. The Blue Room, Chez Henri, Garden at the Cellar, Gargoyles, Harvest, Henrietta’s Table, Hungry Mother, OM Restaurant & Lounge, Rialto, Sandrine’s, and UpStairs on the Square are all participating, with brews and beverages compliments of Jacob’s Creek Winery, Brooklyn Brewery, Noir, J.P. Licks, and San Pellegrino. The $65 per person ticket price—which goes entirely to support the good work of Second Chances—covers food, drink, entertainment, and the opportunity to participate in a Silent Auction that features something for just about everyone. A vintage Judith Leiber evening bag, a Vigilant wine storage system, a golf outing at Dedham Country and Polo Club, and a membership to Cambridge Athletic Club are just a few of the items that have been donated in support of this great cause, and more will be announced as the big day approaches. “Given the state of the economy and the impending chilly winter, doing our part to see that everyone in our community is adequately clothed seems more important than ever,” says BostonChefs.com President Paul Schiavone. “Every chef we invited said ‘yes’ immediately, and that says a lot about the generosity of the local culinary community and their understanding of the importance of this cause.” Ronit Barkai, Director of Housing Programs at Transition House, a Cambridge-based program for domestic violence survivors that is one of Second Chances’ long-standing community partners, describes the need in poignant terms: “Our clients often flee their homes without any clothing except what they are wearing, and some have never experienced a New England winter and need warm things to wear. Second Chances is flexible in meeting the needs and preferences of the women we serve, and each delivery shows the great care that is put into choosing clothing for our clients. This helps lift the women’s spirits, bringing optimism and hope as they begin rebuilding their lives.” “Low-income and homeless people always have trouble getting by, and this year we are seeing demand for our services that exceeds our current ability to serve people,” reports Andrea Shapiro, Founder and CEO of Second Chances. “The generous sponsors and participants in the Flavors of Fall event will enable us to provide free clothing, shoes and accessories to even more people in need in Cambridge and Somerville in the year ahead. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with local businesses and community members who support our work and the people we serve.” Since the first Flavors event in 2004, BostonChefs.com, together with co-sponsors City Square Associates and The Charles Hotel, have raised nearly $50,000 for a wide range of Cambridge-based community organizations. Past beneficiaries have included CitySprouts, CycleKids, CLSACC, On the Rise, and Project Playgroup. ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS BostonChefs.com is an online community of the area’s best dining destinations and top culinary talent. Boston’s own “Insider’s Guide to Dining,” features more than 125 of the best restaurants in Greater Boston and beyond. It provides comprehensive information on each dining destination—including menus, photos, chef bios, hours of operation, and restaurant background—and the most complete and up-to-date calendar of local food, wine and restaurant events available anywhere. BostonChefs.com is one of the most heavily trafficked and rapidly growing online dining destinations in the region. Second Chances has provided free clothing to more than 1,500 lower income and homeless people in Cambridge and Somerville and recycled or reused over 145,000 pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories since 2005. With 100% donated labor and space, its clothing donation program helps local people in need, conserves natural resources, and diverts waste from our area's already overflowing landfills. Working closely with a growing network of partners, Second Chances involves the community in helping neighbors, connecting with other community members and preserving the environment. City Square Associates, Inc. is a Cambridge-based marketing research and business consulting firm specializing in consumer behavior, public opinion, and media strategies. Over the course of a dozen years, City Square has developed a client roster that includes an impressive array of national brands—including NBC, PBS, Capital One, and Intuit—and non-profit organizations like the Pew Environment Group, the WGBH Educational Foundation and The Bridgespan Group. The Charles Hotel, Harvard Square, is an independent luxury hotel and a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts. The AAA Four-Diamond award-winner may be the only hotel in the world to welcome Noble Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Academy Award winners, jazz greats and New England farmers. Reflecting the eclecticism that is Cambridge, The Charles Hotel is a modern interpretation of New England hospitality with a thriving jazz club, two signature restaurants, ice-skating rink, state of the art conference facilities and a central location in the heart of Harvard Square. The Charles has been designated by the New England Travel Guide as the best hotel to "stay put in" when visiting Boston. #