Michael Puma
Founder, Gotham Burger Social Club
Ann Paisley Chandler: What inspired you to get involved with Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, and why is the From Farm to Tray benefit important to you?
Mike Puma: Two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful couple named Sara and Steve Pandolfi. As our friendship grew they told me about an organization that was close to their hearts called Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. When I saw the passion they had for the organization, I was touched and asked how I could get involved. Last year Sara invited me to From Farm To Tray to see for myself how they work to raise money to help feed the homeless and hungry a more sustainable and nutritious diet. To say the least, I was inspired by the generosity of everyone involved. It was impossible not to see how committed this organization is about feeding and supporting the less fortunate. So now a year later we are honored to be this year's VIP Host for the 2016 From Farm To Tray benefit at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.
APC: How did Gotham Burger Social Club come about?
MP: The Gotham Burger Social Club was started with the idea of finding the best burgers in NYC. Years ago I had noticed a trend in craft burgers and after reading an article about the 12 best burgers in NYC, I decided to put together a group of close friends and we set out to try a different burger each month. We decided to chronicle our "meatings" on Instagram with the intention that it would be interesting to look back on our adventures. We were blown away by the support on social media and we now share our reviews with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. On May 19th we will have the pleasure of presenting Black Tap Burgers at From Farm To Tray. We are proud to be partnering with them as we were the first to review Black Tap burgers. Today you can expect to see 3 hour waits for their delicious burgers and flavorful over the top milkshakes that are now famous!
APC: You and the club are sponsoring this year's From Farm to Tray VIP reception on May 19. Please tell us about it.
MP: Hosting and sponsoring this year's From Farm To Tray event to me is all about sharing a message, that there are many people around us less fortunate do to circumstances beyond their control. And while many of us think about what we are eating next, we have neighbors who wonder if they will eat today. When we all come together it is amazing what we can accomplish. Just $500 can feed 2 families all summer and $250 provides a summer of lunches for 5 children, every dollar counts! One day hopefully there won't be a need for a host, sponsor or event, but until that day God Bless From Farm to Tray and Holy Apostles Kitchen and all the people that make this possible.
Click here for information on Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, New York City's largest emergency food program. Click here for information on From Farm to Tray, a sustainable food celebration to benefit Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.
