Just when I thought that Celebrity Chefs, the fundraiser for the Mid-Cities SOS (Supporters of SafeHaven) had reached its full potential, this year's event proved me wrong.
Over the past six years, Celebrity Chefs has grown from offering tastings from various restaurants in our community with an attendance of around 200 to an event that draws 400 in attendance and spotlights the best of the best when it comes to our community's dining options.Then there is the money. As I recall, the first year's revenue was just over $62,000. Jump forward to this year and more than $80,000 was raised in the live auction alone. A standing ovation goes out to master of ceremony Scott Murray and auctioneer Dan Holmes for not leaving one wallet or purse untouched at this evening's event.But honestly, an event can make a lot of money and not be any fun. Not this one. Clearly, moving the event to the Hurst Conference Center was a brilliant decision. Not only was there more room for a greater attendance (more people means more money), but there was more room for people to move from food station to food station without feeling like you became way too intimate with the person standing in front of you.As for the food stations, eating at this event was like eating at 17 five-star restaurants in one location ... plus a bottomless wine glass. Does it get any better? I think not!SOS president Deanna Stuart, event chair Katie White and SOS vice president Tara Hutchins-Welsh, along with their amazing team, have a lot to be proud of. Team members include Jodie Munsie, Mary MacDowell, Katie White, Deanna Stuart, Velma Walker, Viv Ann Blair, Martha Ragsdale, Jane Wood, Kathy Rynearson, Patti Campbell, Renny Hostetler, Fonda Martin , Laurel Harty, Kathleen Steinsberger, Janice Kane, Lynda Sanders and Judy Waitkus.I am already looking forward to next year. Cheers to you ladies on an event that sets the bar high for so many others.Speaking of cheers, The Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce held its 37th Annual Awards Jan. 17 at the Hurst Conference Center. And just like the Oscars, it was "hold your breath" time until the envelope was opened. And who took home the awards? Here is the list of outstanding individuals in our community.They are: Youth of the Year Award, Adam Sandy, Grapevine High School; Outstanding Service, Wes Harrison; Community Spirit, Rob and Teresa Rutherford; Member of the Year, Kathryn Bradford; Business of the Year, BRM Roofing & Construction Services; Director of the Year, Rebecca Barksdale; Outstanding Organization, Colleyville Lions Club; Jack Oswald Ambassador, Juli Gerrard; GCISD Employee of the Year, Jodi Lucas, Bear Creek Elementary; Volunteer of the Year, Steve Jenkins; Leadership Award, Patti Irwin; President's Award, Rebecca Barksdale; and the Chairman's Award, John Fletcher and Cecilia Monacelli. The last award, the Citizen of the Year award, is always one of the most anticipated awards of the year and this year it was (duh-da-dadum) Tammy Nakamura.Congratulations to all of you for such exceptional service to our community.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
