Over $112,000 raised at Bon Appetaste Chef Focused Fundraiser
By Shirley Wild
Some 260 members, family, friends and supporters of the Steel Magnolias gathered at Friedman’s Home Experience for Bon Appetaste, a culinary celebration of food, wine and spirits. The guests had great fun while generously supporting children with developmental delays. The event on Aug. 26 raised $112,000.
The excitement and energy was stimulating with so much to do. A delightful surprise proved to be a fantastic photo op! A slew of “selfies” were taken with the beautiful mermaid who reclined regally in a strategically placed bathtub.
With auctioneer Randy Gordon (Nancy Becker) at the mic, the live and silent auctions were energized. At the Cork Pull everyone was a winner and the Wine Draw had people vying for premium wines and spirits. Anne Newman was the lucky winner of the opportunity drawing – seven nights in Waikiki including airfare and hotel.
Co-chairs Jennifer Peterson and Elizabeth Borsting reminded everyone of the real reason for the event – “to change lives by helping children and giving family support.” We raise funds so that children with developmental delays, behavioral and learning challenges and other special needs can get the treatment they need.
Steel Magnolias’ primary beneficiary is the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Stramski Center Medical Director Dr. Gary Feldman painted a compelling picture with a touching story of a family whose lives were made better because of the treatment and counseling they had received at Stramski.
Among the many attractions were four of Long Beach’s top chefs, each in their own kitchen, giving cooking demonstrations: Chef Pete Lehmar of Gladstone’s, Chef Raquel Jubran of Lasher’s Kitchen, Chef Andre Angles of Thai District and Chef Louise Solzman of Table 301. Mixologist Brad Fry of Chianina Steakhouse was also extremely popular with his cocktail demos.
Prior to the cooking demos, guests noshed on passed hors d’oeuvres by TGIS Catering and cheese trays from Cheese Addiction. For guests who were still hungry after the demos, Lobsta Truck, Naples Rib Company and Taco Surf were ready to please. The Pie Bar, Frosted Cupcakery and Great Dane Baking Company added sweet finishing touches to the evening. Epic Wines, Stella Artois and the bar staff from Keesal, Young and Logan saw to it that no one went thirsty.
Seen at the Scene: Chairman Anthony Gagliardi, President Hilda Sanchez, Memorial CEO John Bishop, Founder Shirley Wild, Dr. Ioana Pal, Candace Perisho, Marlene Temple, Joan Knight, Mary Alice and Bob Braly, Judy McNulty Black and Don Black, Stephanie Davis, Tammy Newland and Ken Shishido, Kevin Peterson, Kurt Borsting, Richard Brown, Steve and Katherine Keesal, Dave Rigby, Sofia and Jim Riley, Patricia and John Wang, Lynne and Gainer Pillsbury, Patti and Randy Martin, Suzanne and Doyle Powell, Denise Dahlhausen, Diana and David Eastman, Gary Lee Wolf and Carl Lee, Surina Geoffrey, Jeannie Jones, Susan and Clyde Kendzierski, Nancy Koblensky, Janis Krantz, Lynn, Ray and Molly Lasher, Vicki and Jim Sullos.
Attendees enjoyed interacting with local Long Beach chefs, sampling delights from around the city.
