When Selvin Chambers was growing up as one of 11 children in Cambridge, he practically lived at the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House. Now he’s the CEO of the community center, which offers support services, literacy and job-training programs, and a food pantry that provides more than 40,000 pounds of food each month to over 600 families.
Built in 1807, Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House has a remarkable history. It’s the childhood home of Margaret Fuller, the journalist, author, and early feminist pioneer. In the early 1900s, it became a settlement house.
“It’s a diverse group of people who use the food pantry,” says Chambers. Housed in an adjacent building built in 1924, the pantry is designed supermarket-style. Shelves and cases are stocked with canned and dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, baked goods, frozen meat, and fish. Shoppers grab carts, browse, and choose the foods they want instead of receiving a prepackaged box.
“This model allows people to feel more dignified,” Chambers says. “And it also reduces waste.”
To keep programs running and support plans for a new building in the next few years, Chambers and his staff depend on a yearly fund-raising gala. The 18th annual event will be held on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at 100 CambridgeSide Place. The theme: Sweet Soul Evening — A Sneaker Affair.
“It’s not going to be a normal chicken-dinner fund-raiser,” Chambers says. In fact, there’s no sit-down dinner at all. Instead, guests will wander through a tasting-style event featuring international dishes from local eateries. Expect Mediterranean bites from Anoush’ella, Sapporo Ramen & Sushi’s Japanese specialties, fresh pasta from DalMoros, Mexican street food from Chilacates, cream puffs by Beard Papa’s, and more.
There will also be live entertainment and dancing. Guests are encouraged to dress up — but pair the outfit with sneakers.
Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at margaretfullerhouse.org.
Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at anntrieger@gmail.com.