5:00:09 PM CDT
On June 26, 2010, nearly 600 of Rosemary Children's Services' most prominent and caring supporters, volunteers, staff and guests attended the 47th Annual An Evening with Star Chefs, the Agency's largest annual fundraiser and the oldest, most established culinary event in the greater Los Angeles area. Patrons of the event enjoyed an evening of gourmet food created by the area's finest chefs as well as wine, specialty coffees, opportunity drawings, live entertainment and an exciting silent auction.
“Without a doubt, this year's Star Chefs was the best event held to date,” said Greg Wessels, Executive Director. “We are proud to hold this event year after year, and are grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters who make this event such a successful fundraiser for Rosemary Children's Services.”
Sponsors of the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” included: Wells Fargo, Santa Anita Park, Tower General Contractors, MNC Technology Solutions, Touch Table, Inc., Kathy and Reid Allen, Charles Mason and Associates, Citibank, Colleen Turkal, Diane and Aurelio Munoz, Douglas Auto Body and Paint, Far East National Bank, First Private Bank and Trust, 500 Guild, Grace Nagle, Greg Wessels, Huntington Culinary, Kaiser Permanente, Nadar, Inc., Pacific Western Bank, Peggy Neiman, Romberger Guild, Vince's Auto, Webmagic, Inc., and Yvonne Pine.
Chefs from local restaurants presented samplings of their finest cuisines. Participating restaurants included: Celestino, Charcuterie, Dandy Don's Ice Cream Sundae, DISH Bistro & Bar, El Cholo, El Portal, Front Runner at SantaAnita, Il Fornaio, Mi Piace, Munoz Catering, Nikki C's, Restaurant Noir Food and Wine, One World Vegetarian Cuisine, Pasadena Baking Company, Robin's Wood Fire BBQ, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and Whole Foods Pasadena. Fine wines, beers, beverages and spirits were provided by: MillerCoors Brewing Co., Pete's Coffee & Tea, Soleil & Terroir, and Stockholm Krystal Vodka. The “Best Booth” award was awarded to Noir Food and Wine for their creative booth display and design.
This year's Star Chefs' event was filled with great food, great entertainment, and great fun,” said Jennifer Radics, Development Director. “This event allows for our Agency to invite our closest sponsors, donors, and friends in the community to enjoy an evening out under the stars while raising money to support the children and families of Rosemary Children's Services. We are proud to have raised over $150,000.00 this year, and hope to raise even more next year!”
ABC7 Eyewitness News' nutrition and fitness reporter Food Coach, Lori Corbin and the Food Network Channel's The Hungry Detective Chris Cognac served as the comical “odd couple” Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. Singer / Songwriter Chelsea Nichole performed the “Rosemary Anthem,” a touching song that captures the essence of the mission of Rosemary Children's Services. Stone Soul provided musical entertainment all night and the Hollywood Hot Shots swing dancers wowed the crowd with their fancy footwork and routines.
Lieutenant Peter Hettema from the Pasadena Police Department was awarded Rosemary Children's Services' 2010 Golden Star Award, a prestigious award given to one exemplary volunteer each year who has gone above and beyond to support and serve the Agency. Lieutenant Hettema was also presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Teresa Lamb-Simpson, Field Representative from Congressman Adam Schiff's office.
Congressman Adam Schiff attended the 47th Annual “An Evening with Star Chefs” and presented Greg Wessels with a Certificate of Recognition for Rosemary Children's Services' 90th Anniversary. “We are honored that Congressman Schiff was able to join us on our very special evening,” said Wessels. “The Congressman has been a great supporter for Rosemary Children's Services and is an invaluable advocate from the foster children and families whom we serve.”
