Oh What A Night!
May 20, 2024
Just as Mystik Dan took to the podium, winning the run for the roses, Chefs for Kids was off to our own races. The Kentucky Derby is known for its tradition, excitement, and sense of community, and that’s exactly what we experienced at Dinner & Auction #32.
The course was set to raise money and awareness for alleviating malnutrition and hunger in children through education and awareness in Southern Nevada. Guests started off with a fun photo booth from Go Go Photo Hut augmented with decor from ByDzign, and we can’t forget the fabulous floral centerpieces donated by Mylofleur Floral Design.
And what’s a derby-themed party without a mint julep? Thanks to generous donations from our liquor sponsors, we were able to provide guests with three tasty options:
- Mint Julep – A classic cocktail featuring Smoke Wagon Bourbon.
- Tequila Julep – An agave-forward julep with Dos Caras Tequila.
- Mint Tulip – A more floral take featuring COIT Spirits Gin.
Guests sipped on their cocktails as they perused and bid on dozens of silent auction items. They also indulged in delicious sushi from Kanani Foods Corporation as well as crostinis, spring rolls, & skewers expertly prepared by the chefs at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
These chefs really pulled out all the stops during a four-course surf and turf dinner. From the Beef Medallion and Rosemary Grilled Shrimp down to the Churchill Downs Salad Bowl featuring a horse and jockey crouton and CFK cut melons! Every bite was just as impressive as the presentation. Thank you chefs!
When you have a non-profit heavily supported by the culinary community, you could talk all day about the food and beverage they bring to any event… but what we’re really here for is to honor and celebrate our community of supporters, and raise funds for nutrition education in Southern Nevada. The main event, hosted by Al Mancini and Samantha Gemini Stevens, was a beautiful affair.
We honored Greg Clemens and Christina Roush for their long-standing efforts to support our programs that bring nutrition education into Title I schools across Clark County. Chefs for Kids Board President Vic Vegas presented them with their own CFK custom chefs jackets.
We also presented our chief educator Crystal Momii with a special award to thank her for her dedication to teaching our kiddos.
Next up, Celebrity Auctioneer Chet Buchanan took the stage, inviting several of our chef friends along with him to raise money for our cause during the Live Auction.
The night ended with a big finale. One year ago we took the stage and announced a new scholarship program in honor of the late Michael Ty, one of our founders. We were proud to award the first-ever Michael Ty Culinary Award to Alicia Lu and Joseph Snyder. Both received a carving set and chef’s starter kit from State Restaurant Group, and each student will receive $1,500 towards their education at UNLV.
Making this dream a reality in just a short year was a major milestone for our organization, but it gets better. Thanks to the tremendous support of the donors in the room, we were able to raise $23,100 to ensure the scholarship program will live on for years to come. A huge shout out to the students, the Ty family, and Chet Buchanan, who filled the room with such positive energy to make this moment happen.
All in all, thanks to the support of everyone in the room (and those that bid on the silent auction from home) we couldn’t have done this without the many key people already mentioned, and a few event sponsors including: Anderson Dairy, Dos Caras Tequila, Nicholas & Company, Get Fresh, Glencoe, Hospitality Culinaire Inc./Jamba Juice, MGM Resorts International, and The Wright Family. Last, but most definitely not least, shout out to the culinary students from UNLV, CSN, and FCCLA that volunteered at the event.
Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed out to make it an absolutely wonderful evening. YOU are our rocks!
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