'Chowder for Charity' on behalf of FISH bringing Moby Dick's New England clam chowder to capital city
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 09/14/2022 - 9:14am
The second annual Chowder for Charity fundraiser for Carson City's FISH is returning Friday, Oct. 7 to Tee Jay's Corner inside Cactus Jack's.
Owner Chuck McCray is a chowder fanatic — so much so that in his chowder research, he has created a New England Clam Chowder based on the recipe offered in Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick.
"Most people don't know there's a chowder recipe in there," said McCray. "Our recipe is based on Mrs. Hussey's Boarding House clam chowder recipe, with our own twist."
While McCray is enthusiastic about chowder for its own sake, he also uses it as a means to raise funding for Carson City's FISH as the colder months approach.
"What's going to happen with FISH is, when November begins, they're going to come into their season where the weather gets cold, and they're going to start needing all of the items they need to operate," said McCray. "The need to serve people increases by volumes - that's why we chose FISH, because they have that need, particularly as things begin to get much harder for people in need."
McCray has worked alongside FISH for a while in his service to his church, St. Peters Episcopal, as well as through the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada, both of which are partners with Carson City's Night Off The Streets (NOTS) program, providing warming shelters during the cold months in an effort to decrease exposure related deaths.
"We've been associated with FISH for a while now in various ways," said McCray. "I'm not afraid to say we're asking for substantial donations because they are a worthy cause."
A hearty, homemade, Moby Dick-style 12 ounce bowl of chowder during Chowder for Charity will start at $12, but McCray hopes patrons will use it as a base price but give more.
"The goal this year is $2,000," said McCray. "I want to sign a check from Tee Jay's corner to FISH for $2,000 or more."
Last year, donations reached over $1,500, and McCray hopes to increase that donation each year.
Chowder for Charity will take place Friday, Oct. 7 during Tee Jay's Corner's regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; though, McCray encourages patrons to not wait until the last minute to make sure enough chowder remains.
Many patrons last year also opted for a to-go option, taking the chowder with them to eat later at home.
"It's very hearty and rich," said McCray. "A lot of our customers had to take the rest home to finish later!"
To keep up to date with Chowder for Charity and Tee Jay's Corner, follow them on Facebook here.
