When recent storms hit the Tri-State area last month and resulted in subsequent flooding in those areas historically prone to the rivers exceeding their banks, the regional division of the American Red Cross issued a request for emergency food support from the Culinary Response Team (CRT) unit of Merri-Makers Caterers from Edison, New Jersey. Best known for over 35 years of off-premise wedding and event catering, Merri-Makers is putting their experience and resources to good use with this new division.

The CRT was established in 2007 when the last wave of serious flooding hit north and central New Jersey communities leaving thousands of households without electricity and water.  The CRT, managed by long-time Red Cross volunteer and Merri-Makers team member, Jim Corrigan, hit the ground running and prepared tens of thousands of meals for disaster victims. Subsequently, the American Red Cross and CRT entered into a “Memorandum of Understanding” to provide mass care feeding during local, regional or national disasters and to be in a “state of readiness” as the needs of the American Red Cross arise, in most cases urgently. The company has refrigerated semi trucks that can deliver meals to locations thoughout the continental United States and are considered first response for disasters east of the Mississippi.

 This year’s emergency call went out for food to be mobilized in the communities of New Milford, Ridgewood and most of Passaic County, all of which were subjected to the cresting Passaic and Hackensack Rivers in northern New Jersey.  The CRT expedited over 20,000 fresh-made, culturally-sensitive meals to the victims and support service teams in a 72 hour period. Corrigan explains, “Watching the rainfall at our corporate headquarters in Edison and the daily news reports, we knew to stay on our toes in anticipation of the call from The Red Cross. My cell phone never left my side.”

The Culinary Response Team is always looking for other businesses or government agencies in need of nutritional support services. For more information contact Jim Corrigan at 732-225-0009 or jimc@merrimakers.com.

For over 35 years, Merri-Makers Caterers have been committed to providing impeccable service to their clients. Their team of professionally-trained chefs and experienced event planners pride themselves on their attention to detail and fresh ideas to make your event truly memorable. Visit us on the web at http://www.merrimakerscatering.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MerriMakersCatering, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MerriMakers.

Merri-Makers, New Jersey’s pre-eminent caterer for 30 years, announces that they have entered into an exclusive 5-year partnership with the Somerset County New Jersey Parks Commission to manage the food & beverage operations of the award-winning Neshanic Valley Golf Course, starting in January of 2009. Merri-Makers is a pre-eminent caterer of large upscale banquets, servicing well-known New Jersey clients for thirty years.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the gem of the Somerset Park System and has been rated in the top five public golf courses in the State of New Jersey, while garnishing national recognition, as well. Replete with 27 PGA championship holes, Neshanic Valley GC also has, on site, a world-renowned Callaway Learning Center, with its own 9 hole course. The facility is completely open to the public.

The Clubhouse at Neshanic Valley contains a main room available for parties, seminars, benefits , golf outings, weddings and private parties for up to 200 people. Merri-Makers plans on re-decorating this beautiful catering facility and opening the panoramic-beauty of “A Room with a View” in time for the 2009 season. Plans also include the installation of a fully serviced tent on premises, “Splendor in the Grass”, able to accommodate up to 500 people.

For more information you can contact:

Mark B. Murphy
VP Business Development & Marketing
markm@merrimakers.com
732-225-0009, ext. 121
732-225-0009

Hence, the Culinary Response Team (CRT) was born, representing Merri-Maker’s commitment to the communities throughout the region.

Subsequently, The American Red Cross and Merri-Makers have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, whereupon the Merri-Makers Culinary Response Team will provide the necessary nutritional support aspects of the ARC in its efforts to care for American’s suffering from the ravages of man-made and natural disasters. The CRT remains at-the-ready to assist any business or government agency at the appropriate moment.

You can contact Merri-Makers Caterers and their Culinary Response Team at:

Jim Corrigan
VP Sales
732-225-0009
Jimc@merrimakers.com

To Read More About How “Volunteer’s Company Delivers Hot Meals to Disaster Victims” click the Red Cross Logo!