It was the early ‘90s when Molly Hardie volunteered at her close friend’s kindergarten class. There, she witnessed firsthand how many children went to school hungry. The teacher quietly fed her students each day, and Molly’s heart broke every time.
Now, Molly and her husband, Robert Hardie, own Keswick Hall, a premier resort destination near Charlottesville. In 2024, the couple received the Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their dedication to hospitality, historic preservation, and philanthropic spirit. When the two of them learned about No Kid Hungry’s efforts, the Hardies’ philanthropic light bulb went off, and they began a partnership.
“No Kid Hungry is a national leader in addressing childhood hunger, while Keswick Hall has the privilege of bringing people together through food, wine, and hospitality,” Molly says. “By combining these strengths, we can create experiences that not only bring joy to our guests but also generate tangible support for children and families in need.”
At the beginning of October, Keswick Hall hosted Savor the Season: A Culinary Festival Benefiting No Kid Hungry, where local chefs and wineries set up their stations for a lively food-centric fundraiser curated by executive Chef John Hoffman.
“We wanted the menu and wine pairings to reflect both the artistry of our culinary team and the bounty of our region,” Molly says.
Marigold by Jean-Georges at Keswick Hall also offered a Chef’s Tasting Menu, with every order benefiting No Kid Hungry.
The menu included uni with caviar, seared sea scallops, roasted caraflax cabbage, Australian Wagyu tenderloin, and a rye-honey cake. Each course included the wine-pairing option, with drinks like Champagne and a 30-year-old tawny port. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy of a shared meal translate into real change,” Molly says, adding that she is committed to continuing philanthropic events at the resort.
The nonprofit’s Executive Vice President, Chuck Scofield, thanked the entire team for putting the events together and aptly quoted the incredible poet Gwendolyn Brooks during the autumnal festivity: “We are each other’s harvest.”
This article is a Virginia Living digital exclusive.
