She was 48 and, except for “interference,” as she put it, from her large, extended family, two kids and seven grandsons, her work for the annual Shoreline Arts Trail, and her garden, she’s been at it ever since.  

When the Community Dining Room’s Courtney Rosenberg approached Eder about donating one of her works to the Tuesday, May 2 Dinner & Art Auction benefitting CDR, the acclaimed Guilford artist, whose landscapes and works of still art appear on the walls of The Kate, the Smilow Cancer Center, and U.S. State Department, among other venues, didn’t think twice. 

“I immediately said ‘absolutely, no question,’” she recalled, of donating to the benefit, the first of its kind at North Branford’s Nataz Restaurant, which will feature a buffet-style meal, wine tasting and a live old-style auction complete with paddles.

“You see every day how important this is right now, people are really hurting for food and just basics,” she said.

To hear Rosenberg tell it, Eder wasn’t alone in her willingness to help. No fewer than 24 artists came forward with contributions, ranging from unique stained glass designs from Jayne Crowley, to a glass putter from Ray Mathews, to Alan Horowitz’s driftwood sculptures, and a purplish sunset on canvas from photographer Rebekah Butler.

“It’s such a pleasure for people to have art in their home,” Eder said. “It makes their home so much richer.” 

It’s not just art. Aspiring writers can bid on a hourlong writing consultation with National Book Award-nominated Amy Bloom.

The “breathtaking generosity,” as Rosenberg put it, didn’t end there. The award-winning Nataz, which is known for its four-course prix fixe menu, “immediately offered to open for the event on a Tuesday where they’re normally closed,” she said. 

Likewise, One Hope Wine came through with a wine tasting, and an agreement to contribute to the CDR a percentage of wine sold. And radio personality John “Cadillac” Seville signed on as emcee and auctioneer. 

CDR executive director Judy Barron expressed gratitude for the caliber of the work donated by local artists. 

“We’re thrilled that we can showcase their art with the drama and excitement of a live auction,” she said. 

The event raises crucial funds at a time when, Barron said, “donations are low at the CDR,” which served 48,500 nutritious meals last year, in addition to providing support and companionship to those in need. 

There’s also this. Those facing food insecurity are not only dealing with surging inflation, as well as rising food and energy costs, but with the termination in February of the pandemic-era extra funds that had been deposited monthly into Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accounts since March 2020.

“We’re seeing an increased number of ALICE participants,” Barron said, referring to asset limited, income constrained, employed, meaning “they earn just above the federal poverty level yet struggle to afford basic expenses.” 

The event is part of a recent effort to raise awareness of CDR in towns like East Haven, Guilford, and North Branford, with the hope of making residents aware that the CDR is there for them too, Barron said. 

“We’re so blessed to live where we do,” Eder said. “Let’s share that blessing with everyone.” 

To reserve a seat, $75, which includes wine tasting, dinner, and live auction, call 203-488-9750 x3 or visit communitydiningroom.org, click on the donate button, add $75 per ticket, and choose “Nataz” in the drop-down menu.