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Articles about Charity events

Vote in the 8 Great Plates Competition, Help the North Texas Food Bank Receive $10,000

Okay, Dallas. Here’s your time to rise and shine. There’s a show on Bravo I’ve never seen called “Around the World in 80 Plates” hosted by Cat Cora and Curtis Stone which follows 12 chefs globetrotting from continent to the other. This show inspired Chase Sapphire to partner with the Tasting Table for a charity they are dubbing the 8 Great Plates competition. Ten different cities were selected for this charity, and Dallas is one of them, which means Dallas foodies (that’s where you come in) can vote for their favorite international dish among eight local contenders that serve cuisines that’ve been featured on “Around the World in 80 Plates.”

Why am I typing all these details out and making you read them? For every vote, Chase Sapphire is giving $1 to Feeding America, and Feeding America will then give up to $10,000 to the North Texas Food Bank. Your votes will be providing meals for your hungry neighbors in Dallas.

It’s quite easy. I’ll even break it up into three simple steps. (more…)

posted by Carol Shih | May 18th, 2012 2:26pm | filed under Charity events, Ethnic Food | (0) Comments »

Seeds of Africa Dinner Hosted By Bolsa Mercado

Founder Atti Worku (left); Chocolate pudding cake with coffee ice cream (right) photos by Desiree Espada

Last night, Bolsa Mercado transformed into a delightful backdrop, playing host to founder Atti Worku and her non-profit, Seeds of Africa - an organization that provides a nurturing, educational community for young children and young adults in Adama, Ethiopia. Chef Jeff Harris prepared a four-course menu to approximately 60 Seeds supporters as I, an invited guest, witnessed this NYC-based non-profit introduce itself to Dallas.

Jump for more Desiree Espada photos.

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posted by Carol Shih | May 18th, 2012 12:11pm | filed under Charity events, Chocolate, Coffee, Desiree Espada, Ethiopian, Ethnic Food | 1 Comment »

Bolsa Mercado Dinner Benefitting Seeds of Africa Foundation

The Bolsa Mercado team is whipping up a four course dinner for a good cause on Thursday, May 17 at 7 PM. Well-known runway model Atti Worku founded Seeds of Africa a few years ago to nurture the gifted children and young adults of Africa with an educational curriculum. You can still buy your tickets ($75 per person) by going to this link right here.

Take a good look at the kids in the video below, and you’ll find that it’s really hard to say ‘no’ to a charity dinner as good as this one.

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posted by Carol Shih | May 15th, 2012 9:14am | filed under Charity events | (0) Comments »

Smash Hit: Mixin’ It Up On The Boulevard Organized by Chefs for Farmers Fills Lee Park With Happy Locavores

Edible Dallas' table (left); Dean Fearing honored for his support of local farm growers (right) photos by Elizabeth Lavin

Lee Park was the place to be last Sunday. Over 1,000 people showed up for sold-out Mixin’ It Up On The Boulevard, a massive food event organized by Chefs For Farmers. The two women credited with pulling together all of the details are Iris McCallister and Christina LaBarba. This dynamic duo coordinated over 40 chefs, 20 farmers, wineries, breweries, mixologists, and artisan producers and pulled off what appeared to be a flawless afternoon of celebration. Chefs for Farmers, a group that supports local farmers, chefs, and businesses, donated 100 percent of the proceeds to Meal On Wheels of Tarrant County and Water for Chizavane.

Each chef was paired with a local vendor. Guests were encouraged to make donations at each station to help them raise money for an item (refrigerator, etc) the vendor was trying to buy. The chef list was impressive: Fearing, Pyles, Rathbun, Derry, Natera, Houser, Provost, Harris, McCallister, to name only a few. The public sampled the food, talked to the participants, and listened to DJ sounds and the band Sugarfoote & Co. At one point Dean Fearing took the microphone and sang along. Elizabeth Lavin captured the day with her Nikon.

Jump for her shots.

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posted by Andrew Chalk | May 7th, 2012 11:15am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events, GO TEXAN, Local/Slow Food, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits | 9 Comments »

TACA Lexus Party on the Green Gets a Taste of Mother Nature

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek's chef Bruno Davaillon and his station, which had my favorite item, smoked hummus. Photos by David Higbee

Friday night’s soirée, TACA Lexus Party on the Green, took place on the lawn at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.  There were cars up for winning, a cork pull, fabulous trips and dinners in the silent auction, and food. Oh, so much food. More than 30 chefs gathered in the courtyard to offer up some of their best fare. And it was all going really well, too, that is until Mother Nature got involved. It was a bit muggy at first, then there were sprinkles—little ones that grew—and then it rained. Partygoers and chefs headed toward the doors of the Mansion. Within a couple minutes, Mansion employees walked around offering umbrellas to those who stayed outside. But within maybe 15 minutes, it all cleared up, people and chefs returned to their stations, and the party continued. (more…)

posted by Krista Nightengale | May 7th, 2012 9:08am | filed under Awards, Celebrity Chefs, Charity events, Chef's tasting, Contests, Diets are stupid, Food Porn |

Reminder: Fundraiser for Injured Bartender Andrew Lostetter is Sunday Night at The Dram

Andrew Lostetter, bartender at The Marquee, and formerly of Neighborhood Services Tavern and Fireside Pies, was injured in a ski accident in Breckenridge, Colorado last month. A skier lost control, struck Andrew, and propelled him into a tree. His extensive injuries included a fractured pelvis (four places), two fractured vertebrae, and a dislocated sacrum, the triangular bone at the end of the spine. Lostetter’s  friends are rallying support to help off set his medical bills and lost wages.

On Sunday, April 29 The Dram will also host an event from 7-12 pm. There will be a huge raffle, which will include pieces by local artists, bar tabs around the city, dinners from your favorite hot spots, and wine and spirits goodies. There will be a band, DJs, and a food truck.

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 27th, 2012 5:01pm | filed under Charity events |

TWO x TWO Sponsor Announcement Dinner in Dallas

Abacus in Dallas was the scene of a dinner hosted by Belvedere Vodka this week to announce the sponsors of the 14th Annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art to be held on October 20. The event has raised more than $34 million since its inception. Th organizers are hoping to  top last year’s record of raising nearly $5 million. The money raised supports two objectives: amFAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, which funds research and education to find a cure and prevent the spread of AIDS,  and to fund acquisitions of Contemporary Art at The Dallas Museum of Art. TWO x TWO was established by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky. The annual event has grown to be the largest US fundraiser for both amFAR and The Dallas Museum of Art. Last year a piece by artist Mark Grotjahn went for a record-breaking $1 million.

More. (more…)

posted by Andrew Chalk | April 24th, 2012 12:29pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events |

Reminder: Fundraiser For Injured Bartender Andrew Lostetter is Sunday Night at Marquee Grill

Andrew Lostetter, bartender at The Marquee Grill, and formerly of Neighborhood Services Tavern and Fireside Pies, was injured in a ski accident in Breckenridge, Colorado last month. You can read the story here, but the deal is this: Sunday night is the first of two fundraisers to help Lostetter get back to work. The Marquee Grill is tossing open the bar on April 22 from 7-11 pm. There will be a silent auction that will include baskets of Scotch, all-inclusive dinners, and many talented mixologists and chefs will be auctioning their services for private events. The Dram will also host an event on April 29 from 7-12 pm.

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 20th, 2012 5:17pm | filed under Bars, Charity events | 2 Comments »

A Community Cooked at Paul Quinn College

Craft's chilled soup (photos by Carol Shih)

Over 425 people turned out on a beautiful Thursday evening at “A Community Cooks” to support Paul Quinn College and its organic farm. Proceeds went towards enhancements to the farm. Along with providing an opportunity to feast between the budding sprouts of cantaloupe and sweet potatoes and listen to live music beneath the stars, ”A Community Cooks” celebrates the Farm’s accomplishments and raises resources to help expand the Farm’s ability to combat the food desert surrounding Paul Quinn College. The Farm brings healthy food to the neighborhood by donating a minimum of 10 percent of all items grown to those in need. Over a dozen top-line Dallas chefs cooked at food preparation stations situated either side of the garden. A band played on the stage at the front. In this video, the director of the faming program at the college explains the mission of the garden.

Jump to watch.
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posted by Andrew Chalk | April 20th, 2012 10:44am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Celebrity Chefs, Charity events, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party on May 20

DeMarcus Ware #94 likes children and doesn't want them to go hungry.

This event title confuses me. Does the NFL have a taste? How can you taste the NFL? Do they bottle DeMarcus Ware’s sweat and pass it out for you to drink? DeMarcus Ware may be yummy-lookin’ when he smiles with all those pearly teeth, but… let’s hope not.

Anyways, it turns out that my imagination is getting the best of me. Chef Kent Rathbun, DeMarcus Ware #94, former Dallas Cowboys and Host Committee Co-Chairs Preston Pearson and Chad Hennings are throwing this “party with a purpose” to help support the North Texas Food Bank’s mission to end childhood hunger. Top DFW chefs like Graham Dodds from Central 214 and Tiffany Derry from Private Social will be located at one of the 20 gourmet food stations where attendees can munch on delectables. Emerald City’s kickin’ it back with new and old school jams while current and former Dallas Cowboys mill around, probably stuffing their faces with good food.

It’s all going down at the Omni Hotel on Sunday, May 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. To buy your advanced tickets, go here.

posted by Carol Shih | April 17th, 2012 12:10pm | filed under Charity events |

Special Report: 2012 Côtes du Coeur Gala at Hilton Anatole in Dallas

Marcus Strietzel, Marcos Rodriguez, Joe Garza from The Adolphus (photos by William Neal)

Saturday night,  Côte du Coeur hosted their International Fine Wine Auction and Celebrity Chef Dinner. The annual event raises money for the American Heart Association to fund heart research. They have raised over $16m in their 20-year history. Hundreds of well-heeled diners filled the ballroom of the Hilton Anatole in Dallas where 17 top Dallas chefs prepared dishes which were paired with wines from participating wineries. A live auction unfolded on stage and a silent auction took place in the outside lobby. Many of the live lots were private dinners prepared by one or more of the participating chefs. The black tie event is the largest food and wine auction and gala in Dallas and the second most successful annual gala in the nation for the AHA. Organizers hope that this year will set a new record.
Jump for the fabulous photos of William Neal.
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posted by Andrew Chalk | April 16th, 2012 2:36pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 1 Comment »

Côtes du Coeur: Winemaker David Ramey Talks to SideDish

This weekend is the 2012 Côtes du Coeur, the biggest wine-focused charity fundraiser on the Dallas calendar. The event raises funds for the American Heart Association and in its 21 years has raised over $16m for heart research. Every year the organization honors a leading figure from the wine world with the Tête du Cuvée Award. This year’s recipient is superstar California wine maker David Ramey, owner and wine maker at Ramey Wine Cellars. I was fortunate to chat to him yesterday prior to the Grand Tasting. Tonight he receives the award at the International Fine Wine Auction and Celebrity Chef Dinner.

posted by Andrew Chalk | April 14th, 2012 6:13am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Our main course: beef, crab, polenta cakes, green beans, cauliflower, and shrimp

For the 25 minutes it was pitch black at the Foundation Fighting Blindness‘ Dining in the Dark event (which I attended as a media guest), all I could think about was how easy it would be for someone to steal my purse, stab me, or eat all my food. I guess this is what watching too much CSI does to you. It makes you extra paranoid and jittery.

Thank God the lights weren’t off the entire time. The first course was see-able, and I devoured my soup course in plain sight while goggling at important people like Ross Perot and Ebby Halliday, who gathered inside the Hilton Anatole last night to hear remarks made by the Foundation’s people. The work that FFB is doing is pretty amazing, and if I had millions to give, I’d be supporting its mission to drive the research that’ll provide preventions, treatments, and cures for those afflicted with retinal degenerative diseases too. All the speeches made me thankful for my gift of sight, and even more so when they turned all the lights off for the main course. Blind waiters, like our guy Joseph, trained all night to serve donors their dishes. A firefighter stood in the corner should disaster befall. And a few staff members wore night goggles in case someone choked or needed assistance. Everything was fine, really. Nothing to be scared about, but if Events Editor Liz Johnstone and People Newspaper’s Bradford Pearson hadn’t been there by my side, I might not have made it through those 25 minutes.

Here’s a transcript of our conversation:

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posted by Carol Shih | April 13th, 2012 11:20am | filed under Charity events | 4 Comments »

The Marquee Grill and The Dram Host Fundraisers for Injured Dallas Bartender Andrew Lostetter

Andrew Lostetter, bartender at The Marquee, and formerly of Neighborhood Services Tavern and Fireside Pies, was injured in a ski accident in Breckenridge, Colorado last month. A skier lost control, struck Andrew, and propelled him into a tree. His extensive injuries included a fractured pelvis (four places), two fractured vertebrae, and a dislocated sacrum, the triangular bone at the end of the spine. Lostetter has already undergone two surgeries in Denver and two weeks of rehabilitation. He is back in Dallas now but it looks like he won’t be able to get back to shaking basil gimlets for at least 3 months.

Lostetter’s  friends are rallying support to help off set his medical bills and lost wages. So far, two fundraisers are planned.

The Marquee Grill will host an event on April 22 from 7-11 pm. There will be a silent auction that will include baskets of Scotch, all-inclusive dinners, and many talented mixologists and chefs will be auctioning their services for private events.

The Dram will also host an event on April 29 from 7-12 pm. There will be a huge raffle at Dram, which will include pieces by local artists, bar tabs around the city, dinners from your favorite hot spots, and wine and spirits goodies. There will be a band, DJs, and a food truck.

All proceeds from sales at both events and funds from the silent auction and raffle will benefit Lostetter. Do a good deed and get to hang out with Dallas’ finest mixologists.


posted by Nancy Nichols | April 12th, 2012 5:26pm | filed under Charity events | 11 Comments »

Report: “Dining Out In Dallas” Fundraiser

Crowds gather At The Start Of Dining In Dallas At The Frontiers Of Flight Museum

At the Frontiers of Flight Museum two nights ago (incidentally, the best inside venue for charity fundraisers in Dallas), the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation held its annual fundraiser to raise awareness of a common yet unknown disease. This event, which first started in 1995, helps raise money for patient programs and research projects surrounding Neurofibromatosis, a devastating neurological disorder that affects more people than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Every hour, three people are born with it. NF is the most common neurological disorder and is caused by a single gene mutation. It affects 1 out of every 3,000 people worldwide. At tonight’s event, twelve prominent chefs served food and 16 more contributed to the auction prizes in an auction led by Scott Murray to raise funds for this under-reported medical charity. In addition, over 40 other sponsors contributed to the cause. Here is a sampling of the dishes on display:

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posted by Andrew Chalk | April 6th, 2012 11:05am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Charity events |

Hotel Palomar In Dallas Supports Promise of Peace Community Garden at Spring Wine Hour

The Ackermans Entertain at Hotel Palomar's Spring Wine Hour

One perk for guests at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas is the Wine Hour they host in the evenings. Last week, the hotel opened the event to the public and combined it with a fundraiser for the Promise of Peace Community Garden. The Ackermans provided musical entertainment. Promise of Peace is a non-profit active in East Dallas that aims to reduce the school dropout rate, reduce crime, gang involvement and teen pregnancy through local initiatives that increase community involvement. The organization’s two main activities are the community garden on East Grand and photography classes.
More below. (more…)

posted by Andrew Chalk | April 4th, 2012 10:48am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events, Dog Friendly, Gardening, Wine & Spirits |

Report From 2012 Savor Dallas: Top Ten Dishes Served at International Grand Tasting

Mint chicken salad from The Mint. (Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

The popular International Grand Tasting at Savor Dallas 2012 took place on Saturday night at Irving Convention Center in Las Colinas. Organizers noted the move from Dallas to Irving was to make it easier for the residents of Fort Worth to attend.  Any worry that the change in venue would deter event patrons was quickly dispelled once the doors  swung open.  The place was packed, people shuffled around tightly, filling the venue as guests got the opportunity to hob-nob and rub elbows with some of the finest chefs in DFW.  The food and drink were, of course, spectacular as chefs were well prepared to excite and surprise their guests this year.

While nearly every dish our small group sampled was delightful, we thought we would pay homage to some of the most exciting and delicious dishes presented this year.  So here are (in no particular order) our picks of the Top 10 Best Bites of the 2012 Savor Dallas International Grand Tasting…

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posted by Daniel Walker | April 2nd, 2012 9:24am | filed under Awards, Celebrity Chefs, Charity events, Cheese, Chefs, Eat This Now!, Savor Dallas 2012, best of big d, cake | 6 Comments »

Cafe Momentum Dinner at Dee Lincoln’s In Dallas

Founder Chad Houser explains Café Momentum's Purpose

I attended the Café Momentum dinner at Dee Lincoln’s Tasting Room and Bubble Bar on Sunday night. From one perspective it was just like many other charity fund raisers that I have attended. Great chef – Juliard Ishizuka. Great wine – Oak Cliff Cellars. Great Hostess – Dee Lincoln. Great service, and great guests. Dig a little deeper, however, and you find that the beneficiaries of the Café Momentum program are actually working at the benefit in an occasion that is, for them, part of their training. Those beneficiaries are the young men in the Youth Village Resources of Dallas (YVRD), a juvenile residential facility with the goal of rehabilitating young offenders by providing them with the tools to gain employment when they have completed their programs.

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posted by Andrew Chalk | March 23rd, 2012 8:30am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Charity events |

Savor Dallas is Next Weekend: Support the Dallas Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier

If I had to choose one event to hit during Savor Dallas next weekend, I would pick Wine, Women and Lunch. Why, because I like wine and women and the good work done by the Dallas Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier. This elite group includes female chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, cookbook writers, artisan food producers, and other heavy hitters in the food biz. Lunch with them on Saturday, March 31 from 11:30AM until 1:30PM at the Milestone Culinary Arts Center. The menu for the luncheon, which benefits the group, will feature recipes from the “Cooking with Les Dames D’Escoffier,” which features recipes from Julia Child, Lidia Bastianich, Gale Gand, Marcella Hazan, Alice Waters, and many more.”The $99 price includes a copy of the book.  To reserve your tickets, click here.

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 20th, 2012 11:03am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Charity events, Savor Dallas 2012, catering, cookbooks | 2 Comments »

Dining in the Dark: Foundation Fighting Blindness Event in Dallas

Have any of you experienced dining in the dark? The movement swept through Europe and is currently “playing” in cities in the US. In some cases, the darkness is designed to encourage patrons to experience food tastes without a visual. In other cases, the waiters are blind and the interaction between diner and the waiters is the main appeal. Several of my friends have dined in the dark. One was so disoriented and dizzy, she had to leave. Both reported bumbling around with utensils. Now you have a chance to see how you relate.

Foundation Fighting Blindness is hosting Dallas Dining in the Dark on April 12. Their mission is give you a glimpse into the lives of the blind while specially trained visually impaired servers share their stories and help you navigate your plate. Visionaries (sorry) Margaret Crow and Dr. David Birch will be recognized for their accomplishments at this fundraiser. Check out the details below.

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posted by Nancy Nichols | March 13th, 2012 12:09pm | filed under Charity events |

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