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ANOTHER UCP RECORD BREAKER
Annual Chefs Tasting Eclipses Past Events
Scott Slocum of WJOL (1340), the event’s annual emcee and auctioneer continues to call it, “ THE BEST EVENT IN TOWN!” “WHAT MAKES IT SO SUCCESSFUL IS THAT IT IS SO UNIQUE.” On Sunday, March 1, the Fourteenth annual Great Chefs Tasting Party and Auction was held at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. The event benefits the programs and services of United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland. More than 500 participants raised a record $101,000 to support UCP’s Mission: To improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities.
According to Sam Mancuso, UCP President and CEO, the success of Chefs Tasting is reflected in the incredible generosity of the enormous circle of volunteers. “IT STARTS WITH THE 23 DINING ESTABLISHMENTS, CATERERS, BAKERIES, AND BUSINESSES THAT ANNUALY BRING CREATIVE AND OUTSTANDING FARE TO WOW THE TASTERS.” UCP Board Chairman Jim Mommsen marveled that it is as, “HIGH END AS IT GETS”.
The event was brought to UCP fourteen years ago by Chef Fred Ferrara, Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Instructor and Chefs Tasting Event Chair. “AFTER 14 YEARS I GET JUST AS EXCITED, NOT JUST BY ITS’ FUN AND SUCCESS, BUT BY WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES FOR UCP. TO ME, IT’S LIKE MY YOUNGEST CHILD.” The volunteer spirit of the event is annually represented by the awarding of the Chef Fred Ferrara Volunteer Service. This year’s recipient is Pat Desiderio, Pat is a member of the UCP Board who has volunteered at UCP for 36 years! According to Sam Mancuso, “Pat is the best volunteer there is – PERIOD.” Also during the event, State Representative Jack McGuire and State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi presented UCP founder Melvin Larson with proclamations from the Illinois General Assembly and State Senate recognizing his accomplishments and achievements throughout the years.
Mancuso also noted that the success of Chefs results from the direction and support of the outstanding Event Committee. The committee includes Elaine Brickman (Chairperson), Jan Aimaro, Lyndean Brick, Nancy Martinucci, Dede Osterberger, Kathy Shea, and Kim Udstuen. He also congratulated the true force behind each Year’s Event -- UCP’s outstanding Director of Marketing, Erin Gilligan.
Every year, Chefs Tasting seeks to introduce some new establishments to the event. The new participants include ALI TUCKER’S ARTISTIC ENTERTAINING winner of the Best Caterer Award for its’ Mini Yukon Gold Potato Truffles and Braised Short Ribs), the Autobahn Country Club (co-winner of the Best Restaurant Award for their Chili and Coffee Crusted Grilled Strip Steak with Lobster Mashed Potatoes), Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant which decanted their featured wines at the pre-party and throughout the Taste, Dan McGee’s which offered its’ signature Pineapple Carpaccio Coconut Sorbet with Malibu Rum Sauce, P.B. Mulligan’s Food & Spirits with their Smoked Baby Back Ribs, and Trattoria No. 10 which served Wild Mushroom Crustini with Herbed Goat Cheese. Returning with their award winning delicacies were The Cakebox, Etc. (winner of the Best Dessert Award for its’ cakes and pastries), Courtyard Bistro (co-winner of the Best Restaurant Award for its’ Butternut Squash Ravioli), and Empress Casino & Hotel (winner of the Casino Royale Award for its’ Miniature Pot Roast Sandwiches and Chocolate Shots. Also participating were Branmor’s American Grill, Giovan’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel, Heroes West Sports Grill, Joliet Junior College’s Epicurean & Catering Club, Kozol Brothers, M&M Specialties, Milano Bakery, Nest Bar & Grill, Public Landing, Renaissance Center, and Truth Restaurant.
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