Parade of Chefs supports CKHA’s urology program

John Catucci from Food Network Canada’s hit shows “You Gotta Eat Here!” and “Big Food Bucket List” (Submitted photo)

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) 17th Annual Parade of Chefs presented by Precise ParkLink was held on Thursday October 3rd, 2019 with a record-breaking attendance of 400 guests.

The event raised $149,040 which will support the return of the Urology program to Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).

This impressive outcome would not have been possible without the incredible sponsorship support we received this year from our local business community.

A special thanks goes out to Precise ParkLink, Presenting Sponsor; as well as TD, Celebrity Host Sponsor; Apollo Property Management & Development, VIP Reception Sponsor; Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Entertainment Sponsor; RBC Dominion Securities – Karen Ewald Wealth Management, Sweet Sensations Sponsor; Thrive Strategic Business Solutions Inc., Food Sponsor; CIBC, Photo Booth Sponsor; Winmar Property Restoration Specialists, DPM Insurance Group and Scotiabank, Local Chef Sponsors; Howard Mutual Insurance Company, Local Farmer Sponsor; and finally our event sponsors, Mares Insurance Services Inc. and Ricoh.

Guests enjoyed a delicious six course meal prepared by local chefs using fresh local produce, paired with complimenting wines and craft beers from local wineries and breweries.

Celebrity host John Catucci, from Food Network Canada’s hit shows You Gotta Eat Here! and Big Food Bucket List, kept everyone entertained with his culinary expertise and charming sense of humour.

Thank you to Retro Suites Hotel for hosting John during his stay here in Chatham-Kent.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular evening,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, President & CEO, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, in a press release.

“Together, we can achieve great things for our community hospital, and together, we did raise the bar and make this the best Parade of Chefs Chatham-Kent has ever seen! Our new ‘Fall into Chatham-Kent’ theme is what took this event over the top. This was a valuable opportunity to partner with our local farming community by including their produce in each course to celebrate the Fall harvest. In addition to the farmers, we had many new restaurants and sponsors join us for the first time this year – a true testament to the growing success and popularity of this event! Thank you to all of our sponsors, our Event Planning Committee, dedicated volunteers, members of our local farming community, and participating chefs, restaurants, wineries and breweries. This event would not have been possible without their support.”

Many special guests were in attendance, including Mayor Darrin Canniff.

“This year’s Parade of Chefs was truly awesome,” Mayor Canniff said in a press release.

“The evening was very well organized, celebrity host John Catucci was fantastic, and the food was great. The best part, however, was how this year’s event featured collaboration with Chatham-Kent’s agriculture industry by including local produce in each course.”

The Mayor was also present on the bus tour around Chatham-Kent the morning of the event, visiting partnering restaurants and chefs.

“There’s nothing I love more than seeing local businesses come together to create positive change in Chatham-Kent. It was great to be able to welcome a celebrity like John Catucci to our community, and show him all of the wonderful things we have to offer; I think he was very impressed.”

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation links the community with our local hospital through philanthropic initiatives to raise funds for needed medical equipment.

You can help support these efforts by visiting ckhaf.ca.

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