Cystic Fibrosis Celebrity Chef Charity Challenge A Rousing Success

On October 25th the mid-Michigan area got treated to some of the finest cuisine in the tri-cities as the 5th Annual Celebrity Chef Charity Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis once again drew an impressive crowd at Saginaw's Horizons Center for this annual dinner and auction sponsored by Keller Williams Realty.

According to event organizer Dinica Dinsmore-Renz, the evening was a great success with approximately $30,000 being raised for Cystic-Fibrosis research. About 400 people came to eat, drink, and spend their hard earned money at this impressive event.

Participating establishments included Damon's/Four Points Hotel, Fabiano Brothers, Ben & Jerry's, Fazoli's, Horizons Conference Center, Kathleen's Restaurant, Oppermann's Cork 'n Ale, Someplace Else, Sullivan's Catering Service, SVSU Dining Services, and Garb-Ko 7-Eleven.

The panel of judges assembled to award top honors to the various participating restaurants included Aaron Adams from WIOG, Johnny Burke from WHNN, Kathy Hoekstra from NBC 25, Pati LaLonde of the Bay City Times, Mary Lawrence from the Saginaw News, Lynn Rzanca from WKQZ, Sue Smith from WSGW, and yours truly representing The Review.

Awards were given for Most Creative Dish, Most Romantic Dish, Freshest Approach, Most Colorful Display, and Best Use of Vegetables, and the winners consisted of Kathleen's Restaurant, Horizon's Center, Someplace Else, and SVSU Dining Services.

The girls of Someplace Else won an award for Most Colorful Presentation with their patriotic uniforms and homemade seafood soup.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting some 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It often causes life threatening lung infections. Items bid upon during the silent and live auction included Red Wing hockey tickets, a hot air balloon ride, a private wine tasting for 30 at the Rowe Inn, and much more.

To find out more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, you can phone their offices at 989-790-2233.