by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Cheeseburger quiche, Dave’s fried coconut shrimp, sweet potato pecan pie and other mouth-watering creations were dished out by the spoonful to hungry attendees during the 22nd Annual Celebrity Chefs Luncheon & Silent Auction on Thursday at The Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
The annual event, presented by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, featured over a dozen booths manned by local celebrities featuring one of their favorite dishes for attendees to sample, along with a more than 250-item silent auction and live music.
Proceeds from the silent auction and ticket sales benefit Salvation Army programs like the Child Development Center, Towers Memorial Social Services Center, Adult Rehabilition and The Salvation Army Senior Center.
“We’re hoping the event raises $85,000 for the different projects,” said Charlotte Drake of The Women’s Auxiliary. “We’ve been fortunate every year and we have always hit our goal, so we’re optimistic.”
Lines of paper plate-holding patrons stretched around the serving area for a taste of some of the dishes
“I have a great time,” said Carolyn Von Harrmann of the Salvation Army. “I’ve come to all of them and the food is always excellent.”
Chefs and their dishes included: Mike Buresh and Paige Kelton of Ch. 47 and their cheeseburger quiche; Fashion designer Linda Cunningham Woods with her North Italian meatballs; Senior Vice President of Law and Public Affairs of CSX Ellen Fitzsimmons with a green bean, walnut and feta salad; Former racecar driver and Brumos Porsche Vice President Hurley Haywood and his pork chops with apple and apricot sauce; Orthodontist Dr. Lew Klechak of The Florida Film & Television Commission and his tropical key lime cheesecake; Melanie Lawson of Ch. 4 with her sweet potato pecan pie; Ambassador Marilyn McAfee with her spaghetti carbonera; Shannon Ogden and Joy Purdee of Ch. 12/27 and their apple crumb pie; Former PGA golfer Calvin Peete and his wife and executive director of The First Tee of Jacksonville, Pepper, with their lemon-basil potato salad; David Smith of PSS World Medical with Dave’s coconut shrimp; Susan Wildes of The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida with her four corn pie; U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist gymnast Shannon Miller and husband, John Falconetti, president of The Drummond Press, who served their Moroccan chicken; and Jacksonville Jaguar Josh Scobee and his wife, Melissa, who served honey glazed carrots.
Though the food and celebrities might have stolen the show, the 250-plus item silent auction had a vast array of hot items that also turned into a key attraction.
Vacation packages, knick knacks, gift certificates and items such as a signed NFL Randy Moss jersey and a Hurley Haywood signed racing suit he wore in the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans were hotly contested items.
Everything sold, including the jersey right off Scobee’s back. An impromptu live auction during lunch took place for the kicker’s signed Jaguar jersey, with the winning bid exceeding $500.
“We’re thankful for all the success the event has had over the years,” said Drake. “The money generated from the event goes toward so much for The Salvation Army.”