Unity Gardens and Ivy Tech team up for annual Perfect Pairings event

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Unity Gardens and Ivy Tech's Culinary Program are partnering for their annual Perfect Pairings event.   

For nearly a decade, Unity Gardens and Ivy Tech have collaborated on this annual event, celebrating the culinary art of food while supporting future culinary chefs.

"We love what Ivy Tech does in creating these students who can take fresh food, which is something we care a lot about here at Unity Gardens and turn it into something that people really want to enjoy," Unity Gardens Outreach and Events Coordinator Selina Alcantar said. 

The event is taking place Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Aloft Hotel downtown South Bend.  

The event will feature past hors d’oeuvres followed by four stations of savory and sweet tapas-style dishes, each one paired with a drink.  

Tickets cost $50 and are available on Unity Gardens' website and Eventbrite.  

Funds raised from the event support Unity Gardens' mission of providing free food to the community while also helping Ivy Tech students turn their dream trip to France into reality. 

Each year, the students go to France, connecting them to the roots of their culinary education.  

"People should come out on Thursday, because it is one of the things that helps us stay in the business of free food for everyone, but it's been something that because of the support of the community, like attending this event, we've been able to do for over 15 years now, it also helps these kids make that France trip possible, and it supports them and their dreams and passion as well," Alcantar said.