The Amabile family opened Cream Ridge Winery in 1988 with the goal of producing a range of classic and fruit wines. In 2005, Cream Ridge snagged New Jersey’s first Winery of the Year Award, and the Governor’s Cup for their Cherry Wine (a.k.a. Ciliegia Amabile); they’ve managed to snag the prize a total of six times.
President Jerry Amabile says their mission to create community goes well beyond the winery and even the country.
Amabile and Cream Ridge make it part of their mission to support Rwanda’s City of Joy School with funding and boots-on-the-ground help. And they find that their fans and followers love to get in on the mission.
“We throw a Pie to the Face day every year,” Amabile explains. “What better way to give back than by paying $20 to throw a pie in my face? This year, the event will be held from 12 to 5 pm on January 18, with Pie in the Face timeslots of 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.”
The Pie to the Face Passion Project Mixer has become a fun—often hilarious—way to do real good. Every cent of every dollar raised at the mixer will go toward providing food and clothing for students and their families in the village of Gatagara.
“I go there every year, and every year I’m inspired by the incredible people there,” Amabile says. “These kids speak four languages, and they’re incredibly motivated to help get an education, make money, and help their families. Last year, I went with some of the kids to the local Farmers Market in search of a pair of Crocs, which is the commonly worn shoes for people in this farming community.”
The kids accompanied Amabile and acted as his interpreter, and he was able to buy shoes for 13 children for just $20.
“Your dollar goes a long way in this community,” Amabile says.
Provide food and clothes to kids in need, while also throwing in pie? Sign us up!
For more information about Cream Ridge, including details on their wines and events, head over to their website here.
