The Schlernitzauer family knows good food. They’ve been feeding the CLT community for years through Porcupine Provisions, a premier catering service out of Dilworth. Now, they are inviting us back to the table through Gathered: a curated food-focused basket small biz that gives back.
NEW Basket for 12/9 Delivery!
(featured above)
Includes: mini waffle maker. waffle mix. maple syrup. spiced pecans. berry compound butter. heavy cream.
These bundles of culinary joy are thoughtfully constructed with local provisions, in turn supporting other small businesses and nearby farms–who are struggling along with the restaurant industry they help supply.
The idea for Gathered was born out of need, both this family’s own and those around them. When the pandemic struck, business went from booming to flat almost instantly for Bruce and Leslie Schlernitvauer. Following a layoff in the PR industry, the couple’s daughter Megan stepped in with a contactless solution–and marketing savvy. Together, the entire family worked at freeing themselves from such obstacles by launching Gathered, just two weeks before the Fourth of July. Their other daughter Grace is even part of the process with video editing meal instructions.
“We have been thriving with Gathered, but we also realize many Charlotte area individuals are not as fortunate. That’s why a major part of our mission is to be charitable with other small businesses and nonprofits lacking resources right now,” explains Megan Schlernitzauer.
In fact, when she and I spoke, Megan had just finished her last Gathered delivery for the day: filling up the 100% free food fridge for DaVillage. DaVillage is an organization, led by Shamelle Jackson, that fights food insecurity and provides other basic needs through pop up shops for homeless and low income men and women in Charlotte.
Still mulling over what to give that loved one on your list who needs nothing but is everything to you? How about those wonderful employees? Don’t they deserve something beyond fruitcake? And what about us, Smarty Mamas? Can’t we treat ourselves to a meal kit that simplifies dinner (and adds fun) during the holiday season?
Each Gathered basket contains a meal that inspires–complete with helpful step-by-step details. These baskets fill up their lucky recipients on the inside beyond the mouth watering ingredients. Each month, Gathered uses a portion of the basket proceeds plus customer donations to benefit neighbors-in-need like DaVillage, The Learning Collaborative, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, and GenOne CLT.
For the month of December, Gathered has selected the Council for Children’s Rights. The Council offers legal representation, as well as local and legislative policy advocacy, for children facing educational, mental health, abuse and neglect, delinquency, and custody hurdles.
The pre-themed basket deliveries eliminate gift-giving guesswork for customers, but Gathered also offers customization options and a constant base of the most popular pairings like pasta night, sausage grilling, burger kit, and brunch baskets.
Portions can feed anywhere from two to twelve and start around $60 with add-on options like their hot cocoa mix ($6), mimosa bundle ($40), or a donation basket. The range of possibilities affords flexibility for different budgets. You can even tap into their Gathered groceries option to pull together some of the unique staples found in the curated baskets.
The current basket, accepting orders now for December 9th delivery, is so much fun!
Bonus: This particular package is a waffle making experience, easily translating into a gift for an entire family. Aunt Jane, Uncle Joe, Cousin 1, 2, 3? Check.
Personally, I’m asking Santa for some of that Red Clay Hot Honey (Charleston, SC) and Porcupine Provisions’ own Bloody Mary mix… Happy shopping, CLT Smarties!
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