Staff Reports | Free Press Photography
On Saturday, June 29 at the High Country Conference Center, celebrity chefs from all around went head-to-head in a culinary challenge like no other, all in the name of fundraising and increasing attention to the child abuse epidemic.
Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to eliminating child abuse with a focus on meeting the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of all children.
The 11th annual culinary fundraiser, “25 Men Who Think They Can Cook,” featured a cheeky contest with self-proclaimed chefs and culinary enthusiasts who showcased their culinary skills. Over 500 attendees savored some of the finest dishes and desserts prepared by these 20 celebrity chefs.
The event included a panel of judges who critiqued the dishes and awarded winners in various categories.
The ‘50s themed evening began with a parade of chefs, followed by a culinary tour of mouth-watering creations that culminated in the announcement of five winners.
Best Entrée went to Bryan Shanahan of Peak Family Dental for his Chateau Brion. Under the Main Dish category, Alex Gomez was named the winner for his tomato soup, while Dan Ogden took home the gold for his creative appetizer, the Blackbeard Cuban Roll.
The Best Desserts category resulted in a tie. Todd Atler of McCarthy Building Companies won for his Bananas Foster Crème Brulé and shared the first-place limelight with Tristyn Hatch of Cycle Bar for his Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies. Dan Ogden also won Best Decorated Table, in addition to his Best Appetizer award—truly the icing on the cake.
“This was our best and biggest event ever,” said Chair Jill Babb. “We are so grateful to all who attended, our participating chefs for lending their talents, and to all of our sponsors and supporters of Childhelp.
