Portsmouth Education Foundation Turns Wine and Cheese Into Dollars for Schools

The Portsmouth Public Education Foundation cooked up big money for local public schools at its seventh annual Hidden Kitchens Tour on Friday.

Gleaming granite counter tops and gourmet appliances in a waterfront model home off of Bristol Ferry Road were brought to life by the artisan cheeses and savory wines of two local vendors in one of the seven kitchens on the tour on Friday afternoon. 

"The kitchen tours have been very successful and this year even more so," said education foundation President Marilyn Brockway.

"I think it's a different kind of think to do and it's something you can do with friends," added Brockway. "We like to do it around Mother's Day so men and women can come with their mothers but this year we've also had a lot of kitchen designers and builders too."

The foundation invests 100 percent of its profits into endowments for local teachers. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has gifted more than $100,000 to Portsmouth schools.

You can donate directly on the Portsmouth Public Education Foundation website.

Brockway credited the Hidden Kitchen Tour vendors and sponsors for much of the organization's success in fundraising.

"This is a win-win event for sponsors and [the Portsmouth Public Education Foundation] because sponsors ultimately grow their business and we help the community," said Cathi Fournier, co-owner of Milk and Honey Bazaar in Tiverton and a vendor at one of the kitchens on Friday.

Fournier served up cheeses of all varieties from all over the world, which were complemented by wines from another vendor - Bellevue Wine and Spirits.

In total, 15 food and beverage vendors from across the East Bay took part in the Hidden Kitchens tour:  Becky’s Barbecue, Fieldstones, Scampi, Evelyns, Fatulli’s, The French Confection, Russell Morin Fine Catering, Custom House Coffee, Titos, Narraganset Beer, Crystal Spring Water Co., Allen’s Wine and Spirits, and Empire Tea and Coffee.

Prior to the beginning of ticket sales on Friday, the foundation had already raised $6,000 thanks to the generosity of 15 sponsors:  Newport Fed Bank, Anonymous, Viti Mercedes-Benz/Volvo, Bright Ideas Pre-School, Senator Christopher Ottiano, George and Martha Easley, Gil’s Television & Appliances, Apex Kitchens & Baths, Griff Electric, Exquisite Events, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Furriel, Mr. and Mrs. John Odegaard, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whitehead, Ms. Juliette McLennan and Jaffe Orthodontics.