About 80 supporters of the Mercer Island Farmers Market gathered at Aljoya on May 15 to celebrate the opening of the 2016 market season.

Chef Kurt Beecher Dammeier hosted the fundraising event, which featured a lively cocktail “pre-party” followed by a buffet dinner created by Chef Jonathan Tiller of Aljoya. The dinner raised $15,740, which exceeded the goal of $15,000.

“We’d like to thank all the generous sponsors and supporters, especially Aljoya, who help make our market possible each year,” said Anna Gordon, president of the market’s board of directors. “With vendor fees only covering two-thirds of the annual market operating budget, your contributions truly make a difference.”

At the event, an inaugural “Market Cultivator Award” was given to Judy Witmer.

“[Witmer] tirelessly has supported the ‘Children’s Table’ at each and every Market since its inception nine years ago,” according to a market press release. “Thanks to Judy, thousands of Island children have had fun learning about growing crops and enjoying the takeaway projects Judy designs each week. The market hopes to continue this very special program for many years to come.”

For more information, go to mifarmersmarket.org.