For more than 40 years, Alchemy Celebrations has been known for transforming ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. Beyond their culinary expertise and event design magic, this boutique catering company is deeply committed to community and sustainability, making a lasting impact through responsible practices. Through their charitable initiative, the Alchemy Foundation, and the "Pass on the Love" project, they’ve found a way to turn celebrations into a force for good. By encouraging clients to donate items post-event, they not only give back but also promote sustainability, reducing waste and supporting families in need. We sat down with the team to learn more about how they’re changing the catering game—one guest experience at a time.
Alchemy Celebrations has been making memorable moments through culinary and event design services since 1984. When did the Alchemy Foundation first begin? What was the inspiration behind creating this charitable arm of the company?
Love of our craft, love of hospitality, and love of community are the cornerstones of our business. We are in the celebration business, and we believe strongly that the foundation of celebrations is safe and healthy homes. In the summer of 2011, the idea for our "Pass on the Love" initiative came to life. The inspiration was simple: we wanted to give back by selling gently used items from events and celebrations, with the proceeds benefiting women and families in need. It took time, but we finally found the perfect permanent home for our store on our campus at 2 Wilton Ave. in Norwalk. Alchemy Celebrations is all about creating an unforgettable experience, and that starts with the food. While we’re known for crafting seamless, guest-focused events, catering is truly at the heart of everything we do. From large holiday celebrations to intimate family gatherings, we love curating menus that reflect both the season and the unique personalities of our clients. With over four decades of experience, every event is an opportunity to showcase our love of craft, hospitality, and community.
Explain what “Pass on the Love” means? When did this project begin?
The motto for our store is “Buy it in love…Pass it on in love.” Every item purchased for a celebration—whether it’s a holiday gathering or a milestone event—is rooted in love. When people donate these items after their special occasions, they not only spread joy but also promote sustainability by reducing waste. This initiative allows others in the community to benefit from these donations, which provide vital support to families in crisis. With 100% of the proceeds going to The Center for Family Justice and the Domestic Violence Program at the Greenwich YWCA, “Pass on the Love” embodies a dual commitment: giving back to the community while fostering a more sustainable future.
Can people outside of your staff help you in your mission? How can others get involved?
Absolutely! We rely on the generosity of the community to fuel our mission. There are three main ways people can help: Celebrate, Donate, and Support. Our inventory primarily comes from donations by local floral designers, and we’re expanding to include contributions from the interior design community, home organizers, and event design retailers. Private individuals can also donate. Anyone who’s celebrating an event can pass on the love by donating gently used décor, floral arrangements, and other celebration items, knowing their contributions will directly benefit those in need.
How has giving back impacted you and your team?
It’s been transformative. Being part of something bigger than ourselves has changed the way our team approaches not just business but life in general. There's a renewed sense of purpose, and we’re all incredibly excited to make "Pass on the Love" a core part of our company’s mission.
How has your company’s dedication to the community influenced your approach to event planning and catering?
Our passion for giving back has deepened our understanding of the power of community. Every celebration we cater now feels like a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way. Whether it’s crafting a menu that speaks to a family’s heritage or helping a couple tell their story through food, we’ve become even more invested in making each event a celebration of love, not just for the guests but for the community at large. This commitment to people-first experiences is what sets us apart—we don’t just cater; we create moments that matter.