Compassionate Chefs

PHOTOS BY RICK COOPER & VERONICA KEMENY

Chefs from more than 28 local restaurants as well as caterers, bakers, and other culinary artists showed off their best and most delicious creations at the 12th Annual Compassionate Chefs Culinary Extravaganza for Kids. It was a true treat for all who bought tickets to the event with so many of the best chefs in one place.

Thirty community businesses showed their compassion by donating for children in need at the event.

Area chefs offered signature gourmet bites including shrimp and polenta, shrimp ceviche, grouper sliders, tamales, enchiladas, South African peanut soup, key lime cookies and pie, truffles, and an assortment of decadent chocolate desserts.

The event, also featured 100 silent auction items, raised more than $70,000 for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, says Compassionate Chefs event chair and Children’s Home Society board member Veronica Kemeny. The organization works to prevent children from suffering the cycles of abuse by counseling parents and families. It provides healing for children in abuse situations and seeks safe and loving homes for those who cannot return to their biological parents. Teens also benefit from life skills training and educational and career coaching.

Planning is already in the works for next year’s event, scheduled for September 17 at Edgewater Resort. For more information, to donate, or to participate, contact (850) 747-5411 or go to the organization’s website, www.chsfl.org.