Local entrepreneur Josh Chalmers has a dream not only to make a tangible difference where there’s a need but also to raise the funds necessary to do it in just one night.

This is no pipe dream: Chalmers has been making his vision a reality for the past eight years through his Madison-based, socially responsible business, Earth 2 Company, with the mission “To Change the World Before Bedtime.”

On May 21, area residents can help build a new sustainable clean water system in partnership with Call to Care Uganda by attending “A Taste of Africa,” one of Chalmers’ WELLfed events, at East Lyme’s White Gate Farm. A Thyme to Cook in North Stonington will provide dinner and dessert, and $80 of the $100 cost to attend is tax-deductible and will immediately be set aside for a new well to replace a dangerous water source in Awasi Village, Uganda.

“WELLfed pairs food events with building clean water systems in developing countries,” he says. “I chose this because there’s an urgent need and it’s a fantastic way for people to make a change in a short amount of time because it’s not a hugely expensive undertaking and you’re not asking people for huge checks. You can build a well for $5,000 to $8,000 and you can raise that easily in one night.

“A Thyme to Cook is one of my favorite caterers in Connecticut,” Chalmers adds. “They’re donating all the food, which is fantastic. Connecticut Rental Center is donating all the rental equipment we’ll need, so we really have minimal costs to build a nice foundation for the well.”

Chalmers is pleased to be working with Call to Uganda on this project. Martha Hoffman is the founder of the Madison based non-profit.

“They’re working on wells, a school build, and constantly helping the underserved of Uganda,” he says. “They have the machinery, infrastructure in place so that these wells will last forever — and I really trust them as a partner.” 

COMPASSIONATE CAPITALISM

Chalmers describes the overall work of Earth 2 Company as “compassionate capitalism.”

“I wanted Earth 2 to be a for-profit company that showed that you could share your resources, share your good luck and success, and be socially conscious, while making money and building a successful business,” Chalmers says.

In addition to fundraisers and nonprofit events, Chalmers, whose background is in catering and event planning, plans weddings — but they aren’t your average affairs.

“I only work with clients who are socially conscious in their planning,” he says. “A lot of that is being eco-conscious, hiring vendors that give back to the community, and instead of favors, motivating guests to give back to a favorite charity of the bride and groom.”

A number of weddings he’s planned have taken place at White Gate Farm.

“I like to match clients with nonprofit venues and local farms, he says. “Sourcing is all local and you’re bringing people to the local communities to enjoy those businesses as well.”

Chalmers also launched Earth 2 Edibles last year with “Not Your Mama’s Marinara.”

“It’s all-natural, gluten-free marinara sauce. It’s meat free but a very hearty sauce with mandarin oranges, black currents, onions and tomatoes and all the ingredients break down and give a light sweetness to the sauce that’s delicious,” he says. “Kids love it. … There are no preservatives, no added water, no chemicals, and just six all-natural ingredients. That’s unusual.”

Some new Earth 2 Edibles are in the developmental stages.

“This is our first philanthropic specialty food product,” he says, “and one dollar of sales of each jar goes to top anti-hunger initiatives including Share Our Strength, nationally and locally, the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (to which) we donate funds and products.”

On top of all these projects, Earth 2 is developing ARCADIA, a community in Boston made up of residences, offices and retail, education, entertainment, hospitality and arts organizations. Chalmers describes this first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art high-rise as a collaboration that is “culturally creative, socially responsible, and accessible to a diverse audience.”

He also co-authored the children’s book “Change the World Before Bedtime” to get kids thinking about the positive changes they can make in the world. 

TASTE OF AFRICA MENU

Linda Sample, owner of A Thyme to Cook, says she has spent a considerable amount of time in Africa, visiting close friends and becoming familiar with the food, which helped inspire her menu for the WELLfed event.

Rather than a sit-down dinner, the menu will be built around passed hors d’oeuvres, small plates and sweets that are easy to eat — dishes that allow guests to walk around and mingle.

“We’re using combinations of spices and flavors in a way that isn’t going to be too intimidating,” Sample says. “A lot of African food is basic. It uses a lot of starches, beans and root vegetables. We’re adapting some things we know people will be receptive to — not off the charts.”

Hors d’oeuvres include Zahtar scented lamb meatballs with mint chutney; African orzo risotto with chickpeas and green lentils; and goat cheese stuffed Peppadew peppers.

Small plates feature butter chicken with Injera bread.

“The butter chicken is a take on an Indian-flavored chicken with spices and a yogurt base and ground cashews and other ground nuts,” Sample says. “They use nuts a lot in Uganda and other parts of Africa.”

The crepe-like Injera bread acts as a utensil and is served to scoop up the chicken.

“It’s made of teff, a grain that grows in Africa and is very high in calcium, fermented in a sour dough kind of way, and made into a small flat bread,” Sample explains.

Another small plate dish is “Mealy Meal” cakes, which Sample says is like polenta and will be made into small patties and served with a choice of two sauces: spring pea puree and a somewhat spicy chili tomato sauce.

Sweets include cocoa nib meringue, coconut crusted crème brulee and preserved lemon shortbread with crystallized ginger, along with an assortment of freshly ground Ashlawn Farm coffees and Tazo teas.

“I’m really looking forward to this, Sample says. “Josh and I have been talking about doing this for a long time and I’m really glad we’re doing it.”

IF YOU GO

What: “A Taste of Africa"

When: May 21, 6 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP by May 15 to josh@earth2company.com.

Where: White Gate Farm, 83 Upper Pattagansett Rd, East Lyme. Cost: $100 per person. $80 is tax-deductible and immediately set aside to build one new sustainable clean water system in partnership with Call to Care Uganda.

Info: www.earth2company.com