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| Engraved cutlery from Fonda Enterprises & Kai/Kershaw Knives was presented to the Celebrity Chefs. Photos by Mike Lewis Photography. |
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What
a great night it was for Mid-Cities SOS!
Sunday,
January 13, 2013 – it was a night full of energy, with a new venue at the Hurst
Conference Center, lots of great food, an ideal MC, plenty of donated wine and
beer – all showcasing our Celebrity Chefs for the night! There was just enough
time to register, purchase raffle tickets, donate a pillow, have a cocktail,
preview the custom jewelry diamond necklace and enjoy fabulous appetizers
before the grand ballroom doors opened!
As
you entered the grand ballroom, the chefs were spotlighted in the center of the
room, with their signature dishes all easily accessible by everyone. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house! The chefs outdid themselves – the food
was so delectable! It was a dream
come true for all foodies! Imagine
the chance to taste each chef’s signature dish! Such a wide range of selections
from lobster bisque, shrimp salad, smoked pork tenderloin, herb crusted beef
tenderloin, venison chili Frito pie and topping off the night with specialty
desserts – like a chocolate chip, bacon and jalapeno cookie and crème
brulee! What a feast!
Kicking
off the event included the SafeHaven video – 911 Help! This video was significant in
understanding the stories of abused victims and the power of SafeHaven.
The
auction reflected the energy in the room!
With Scott and Dan on stage, Scott Murray encouraged everyone to step up
and help end domestic violence, while Dan Holmes was eager to start the
bidding! Each chef joined the
stage representing his/her chef’s package and their culinary skills! As the auction excitement increased,
the packages expanded! Speedway tickets and parking passes were added! And in a
number of cases, duplicate packages were offered to the top bidders!
It
was an exciting night, a night to remember, a night to give thanks to all that
made it possible, and in the end the night was made for Mid-Cities SOS!
I
want to thank the entire Celebrity Chefs 2013 committee – they made this night
happen! We had a great year working together. Everyone stepped up to volunteer for jobs that needed to be
done. I learned so much from each lady, and enjoyed working with each member.
New friendships were formed, week after week.
Committee
members included Mary MacDowell, Deanna Stuart, Tara Hutchins-Welsh, Velma
Walker, Martha Ragsdale, Jane Wood, Kathy Rynearson, Patti Campbell, Renny
Hostetler, Viv Ann Blair, Jodie Munsie, Fonda Martin, Laurel Harty, Kathleen
Steinsberger, Janice Kane, Lynda Sanders and Judy Waitkus.
And
I’d like to thank the committee’s families for their support and understanding
– time spent away from home; we had a lot of monthly, bi-monthly, weekly and
bi-weekly meetings.
At
the end of the night, the high heels were kicked off, the chefs’ water bottles,
the signs, the plates and what was left behind all collected; the team shared
the final tasks, along with big tired smiles and a sigh of relief. The event was complete.
While
we wait for the final numbers to be revealed, memories of the night linger and
ideas are being collected for Celebrity Chefs 2014! If you are looking for a way to make a difference, and meet
some wonderful ladies, might I suggest you consider joining the Celebrity Chefs
2014 committee! It’s one of the best experiences you can have – making a
positive difference in the lives of others.
Thank
you to all who attended, our wonderful chefs, all of our sponsors, and the
Celebrity Chefs 2013 committee!
Katie
White
Celebrity
Chefs 2013 Chair
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| Linda Timmons & Bates Container table guests |
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| SOS President Deanna Stuart & Celebrity Chefs Chair Katie White |
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| Roxann Taylor & Associates |
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| Thank you to the 2013 Celebrity Chefs Sponsors! |
First day of SOS Tennis Benefit was sunny and hot with great enthusiasm from a record 90 players.
SOS member Laurel Harty, at right, was the champion basket raffle ticket seller. The beautiful baskets donated my SOS members and friends are a big hit with the tennis players.
SOS's donation of $120,000 SOS was presented to SafeHaven. L to R: SafeHaven Board Chair Curt Osiek, Celebrity Chefs Chair Katie White, SOS President Deanna Stuart and SafeHaven CEO Mary Lee Hafley.
SafeHaven Board Chair Curt Osiek presented Fonda Martin with the Pat Jaynes Philanthropic Award at this year's Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Fonda was honored for her tireless fundraising efforts and unwavering commitment to SafeHaven's mission to end domestic violence. Many other dedicated volunteers and supporters of SafeHaven were recognized at this year's event held at the Colonial Country Club. 
Enjoy a Day of Tennis for a Great Cause! 
