Join us for our annual Evening at the Farm on Saturday, October 11th!

Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm to table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience, but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.

Arrive ready to savor handcrafted appetizers from Bloom Cheese Collective, led by the talented duo Cheesemonger Ali Cameron and Chef Brooks Cameron. Their thoughtfully curated meats, cheeses and accompaniments will set the stage for an indulgent evening.

Then sit down to a bountiful, seasonally inspired multi-course dinner by James Beard finalist Chef Matt Cooper, and Executive Chef Jacob Burrell,  a collaboration of Bentonville-based Conifer and RYN.

About the Chefs - Chef Matthew Cooper is known for his dedication to using local, sustainable ingredients and bold flavors. He has spent decades building meaningful connections with local growers, ranchers, and craftsmen who understand the importance of product integrity, place, and authenticity.

He’ll be designing a one-night-only menu for this event with produce sourced directly from the Apple Seeds Teaching Farm.

"I grew up in an environment where food brought us together as a family; it was kinda like the tie that bound us. My entire life and career have been about creating relationships that build, grow, and help us all. I love cooking and bringing people together with food. I am a humanitarian at heart, and helping people in general is my passion in life.” - Matt Cooper

Shaped by formal training and culinary projects throughout his career, Chef Cooper’s vision for community grew alongside his culinary craft. In 2022, he founded Conifer, and in 2024 and 2025, Conifer was a James Beard Semi-Finalist and Finalist (respectively) for “Best Chef - South.” Chef Cooper’s newest restaurant concept, Ryn, launched in 2025 and centers around a farm-to-table, multi-course Tasting Menu experience featuring ingredients grown onsite.

“We have an amazing community here in Northwest Arkansas. Planting the seeds of community is being able to realize we have to nurture individuals so we can learn and grow together." - Matt Cooper

Executive Chef Jacob Burrell brings a wealth of talent and leadership skills. Following a successful five-year tenure at the renowned Niner Wine Estates restaurant in Paso Robles, California, Chef Burrell joined Conifer in January 2025. He shares our philosophy centered around seasonal and ingredient-driven cooking. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector—ranging from Michelin-star fine dining to open-fire beachfront pop-ups in Bali—Jacob showcases remarkable culinary creativity and a strong commitment to supporting local farmers.

Whether it’s your first time at our table or you’re a frequent guest, our Evening at the Farm promises to be a night of delicious food, local talent, and joyful connection. We can’t wait to see you there!

Event Details:
6:00 PM Cocktail Hour ~ To complement our feast, sip on a signature crafted cocktail using local spirits. Enjoy our custom beverages and garden-fresh appetizers with live music. Dana Louise and Noah Richmond of Meadow Makers will fill the night air with their dreamy folk harmonies and vibrant, roots-inspired sound—setting the perfect mood for a crisp October night under the stars. Mingle through our gorgeous gardens, talk with our farm team, and watch our chefs prepare for the evening’s meal.

7:00 PM Live Auction & Multi-Course Dinner ~ This year’s featured culinary team will craft a one-of-a-kind meal sourced from local ingredients and elements from our garden. Raise your hand in our live auction for a chance to win incredible travel getaways or dining experiences that you won’t want to miss!

After dinner, relax by the fire and enjoy a Spanish Coffee by Arsaga’s.

A big thank you to our sponsors of the Evening at the Farm weekend, Triscuit, Unilever, Danone, Haleon, Subaru, General Mills, Signature Bank, Proctor & Gamble, Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Bayer, Perry Roofing, Centennial Bank, Market Performance Group, The Campbell’s Company, and Mike Sims, Realtor. Their support truly makes all the difference for the students and families we serve. 

True to the nature of building and celebrating community, guests will be seated together at shared tables. That is to say, you and your tablemates may be strangers when you arrive, but you’ll be friends before you leave!  Consider purchasing a table of 4, 6, or 8 if you wish to be seated with other specific guests. Contact Carol (carol@appleseedsnwa.org) for unique group sizes.

Seating is limited. Please keep in mind that this event sells out. We are unable to offer refunds for this fundraiser. Evening at the Farm will be held rain or shine - with weather-protected seating, if needed.

Please contact carol@appleseedsnwa.org if you have any special dietary restrictions, a vegetarian request, or a unique seating request.