A Golden night of cultivating a community through giving.
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Come spend a vibrant evening with us as we fundraise for a great cause and celebrate the fruits of the harvest season. Our founder, Sonia Flunder-McNair, along with our youth farmers will share about the opportunities of growth for Urban Wholistics while you enjoy an upscale evening of jazz, mingling, and a delicious 3-course meal prepared by the famous Chef Moussa Salloukh. The meal will feature the produce grown from this year's flourishing rural and urban farms. Throughout the evening you can bid on our dazzling Golden Hour Gift Baskets filled with wholistic goodies for your mind, body and soul during our silent auction. There will also be a live auction during the night to win a private meal prepared at a later date and served by Sonia and the youth farmers at the farmhouse. We are excited to host our keynote speaker Dr. Toledo from Central State University and special guest Senator Paula Hicks Hudson. It will be an unforgettable night filled with music by John Cunningham and friends.
All youth are welcome to attend for FREE with an adult ticket purchase.
We have a limited number of VIP tickets that include a specialty wellness gift basket filled with goodies including delicious local food and herbs, honey, a customized thank you card, and more!
The entrance to the Christian Life Center where the gala will be held is at the rear parking lot of the church.
If you would like to volunteer or donate auction baskets for the event, please contact us.
A Culinary Experience You Won't Forget
Chef Moussa Salloukh
This year’s Urban Wholistics Gala is proud to feature a menu curated by none other than Chef Moussa Salloukh, the visionary chef and owner of Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar and Sabira.
Chef Moussa’s culinary journey began at just 20 years old, fueled by passion, grit, and a self-taught drive that carried him through every corner of the restaurant industry. Today, he is known for crafting bold, soulful dishes that honor his mother and grandmother while reimagining the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. At Souk, his award-winning restaurant, every plate tells a story of family, tradition, and fearless creativity. For Chef Moussa, food isn’t just about flavor; it’s about connection, culture, and bringing people together around the table.
At the Gala, you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience his culinary artistry in an intimate, one-night-only setting. From the first bite to the last, Chef Moussa promises a dining experience that feels both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly new.
Don’t miss your chance to savor Chef Moussa Salloukh’s inspired creations while supporting Urban Wholistics’ mission.
Tickets are limited. Reserve your seat today!
Keynote Speaker
Dr. José Ulises Toledo
Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Central State University
Dr. José Ulises Toledo serves as Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Director of the Land-Grant Program at Central State University. A leader in higher education and economic innovation, he oversees research, extension, and regional development initiatives focused on food science, nutrition, plant genomics, technology innovation, and the economic impact of new technologies.
Before joining CSU, Dr. Toledo held leadership roles at Southern University and West Virginia State University, where he advanced research and public service programs and served on the West Virginia Council of Science and Research.
An active member of several national organizations—including the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the 1890 Association of Research Directors, where he serves as Treasurer—Dr. Toledo brings decades of experience in academic leadership and innovation. He holds degrees in Agronomy and Food Engineering from Universidad Autónoma Chapingo (Mexico) and earned master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Gala Sponsorship
Every contribution makes a difference. Consider partnering with us as a gala sponsor to further expand the impact of Urban Wholistics while also promoting your business or organization.
To Sponsor, please email us at urbanwholistics@gmail.com or call 567-249-6621. You can either submit your payment below, or remit a check to Urban Wholistics.
Demonstrate Philanthropy in Action
The Amu Reas All Grandmothers Urban Wholistics Fund was established on July 19, 2024 in memory of community supporter and urban gardener, Marjorie “Amu” Reas. Amu’s daughter Mary Wakefield created the fund to demonstrate philanthropy in action and to provide ongoing support of Urban Wholistics with its mission.
Please click the button below to be a part of this exciting opportunity and contribute to the fund.
Look at the fun we had at our previous galas!
