Westfield YMCA is looking for cooks, diners
Date: 2/1/2012
Feb. 1, 2012By Lori Szepelak
Lori@TheReminder.com WESTFIELD — Area residents are invited to sample chili, chowder and chocolate in a tasty event to benefit the YMCA of Greater Westfield’s Partners with Youth program and the CHD Cancer House of Hope.
The YMCA Cook-Off on March 3, now in its second year, will bring culinary students, chefs and local bakers together to show off their cooking talents — all in the name of helping local organizations.
“The fund-raiser benefits our primary scholarship fund that allows under-privileged families, children, and individuals access to a membership and programs,” Cindy Agan, fitness director and organizer of the cook-off, said during an interview with
Reminder Publications.
“The cook-off is a fun way for chefs to showcase their cooking talents, promote their business, and participate for a good cause,” Agan said.
Cheryl A. Gorski, program director of the CHD Cancer House of Hope, echoed those sentiments.
“We are so appreciative when a business or organization such as the YMCA offers assistance with fund-raising for our programs and services,” Gorski said. “We are very dependent on various sources of income from the community and an opportunity for us to participate in an event such as the cook-off is very welcome.”
Gorski noted that as most people are aware, raising money for nonprofit organizations has become increasingly challenging over the past few years.
“The chance to collaborate with a business or another organization is a win for both, between the income generated from the event as well as the publicity that highlights programs and services available to individuals who may be in need,” Gorski added.
The enthusiasm (and competitive spirit) is running high for participants in this year’s event, according to two of more than 15 chefs who will be offering their special treats.
Cathy Gendreau, owner of Peppermill Catering, LLC, will be presenting a Lobster Chowder that is “phenomenal.” Gendreau will be assisted by chef Paula Knapp.
“Both Paula and I believe in supporting local causes that are important to us,” said Gendreau. Gendreau and Knapp expect to create 12.5 gallons of the Lobster Chowder for the hungry crowd that is expected.
All servings — chili, chowder and chocolate from all participants — will be in four-ounce sampler cups.
Phyllisa Phillips of G.I.L.T.E. Phyl’s will feature a Snack Krack featuring a combo of yummy treats blended together, roasted and drizzled with two types of chocolate.
“It’s a perfect blend of a salty and sweet treat,” said Phillips, who also noted she has been a “huge supporter” of the YMCA for many years.
In addition to Gendreau and Phillips, participants include: Bob and Allison Oleksak of the Butcher Block, who will make Buffalo Chili; Ed Chrzanowski’s culinary students from Westfield Vocational High School, Chili; Barbara DiPietro and Karen Carmel, Yankee Village Restaurant, Clam Chowder; Rose Murphy, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, Chocolate Donuts; Time Black, Westfield Fire Department, Chili; Marc Carbonea and Ray Manos, Westfield Police Department, Better Than the Firehouse Chili; Katrina Deragon, Tastefully Simple, Classy Chocolate Pound Cake with Amaretto Chocolate Sauce, and Maryann Calabrese, Gigi’s Pizzeria, Cheeseburger Chowder. Also, Kimberly McNutt, Mama Cakes, Chocolate Chip Cupcake with Chocolate Cream dipped in a Chocolate Ganache; Elaine Shepard, Double Dip Chocolate: Chocolate Truffles, Raspberry Coins, Sea Salt Carmels in Dark Chocolate; Margaret Toomey with culinary students from Westfield High School, Chili; Brian Bogusiewski, Arbors at Westfield, Seafood Chowder; Trevor Grimm, Arbors at Westfield, Chili; Heather Dexheimer, Simply Delectable Gourmets, Cake Bursts and Chocolate Oreo Cookies; Roxanne Bradley, Mini Chocolate Sweet, and Darlene Almeida and Brent Crosler, Mama D’s & Son, sponsored by Paper City Pizza, Chili.
Gorski thanked all of the participants for their support of this fund-raiser.
“The cook-off is an affordable, family friendly fundraiser that supports valuable programs at the YMCA and the CHD Cancer House of Hope,” said Gorski. “It’s a great opportunity for area residents to sample some great items from local restaurants and shops they may not be familiar with while supporting two very worthy causes.”
For stores, restaurants or individuals interested in also joining the competition, contact Agan at 568-8631 for more information. Agan noted that since the event is a fund-raiser, all food preparation costs can be tax-deductible.
The event is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the general purpose room at the YMCA on Court Street. Tickets are $5 per person.
Visitors to the event will be asked to vote for the “best” chili, chowder and chocolate offerings, and prizes will be given to each winner.
In addition, Agan is planning a 50/50 drawing, a raffle for a fitness-themed basket, and a Chinese Raffle with prizes including two Maine lobsters. Gorski is also planning to provide a raffle basket and several businesses including Puffer’s Day Spa and Salon and Sabrina Gibree of Healing Massage will be donating prizes.
