The Top Twelve Santa Barbara Restaurants and Chefs were featured at the 5th Annual Cooking up Dreams Fundraiser event benefiting the Family Service Agency (FSA) at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum on Friday, April 12, 2019. The benefit included a silent auction and live auction and of course crazy delicious food from each participating chef who were all competing for the tastiest dish at the event. The benefit helped support essential mental health and basic needs for vulnerable children, families, and seniors throughout Santa Barbara County serving over 20,000 people. The Family Service Agency has a long history of providing essential services to all generations in the Santa Barbara County community, from families, children to teens struggling with anxiety and depression, to seniors adjusting to new life circumstances. Because the donations and generosity, most of the FSA services are available free of charge.
This years’ theme was appropriately named, GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES. The EMCEE was Kris Bergstrom, a former principal of 8 years, who made some “no running in the hallway” jokes and kept the hour long program bubbling with humor and energy. She used her deep connection to the community and witty sense of humor to focus on raising money for the Family Agency. Not even five minutes into the program she had raised $35,000 which was a combination of seven $2500 bids that were matched by our local and very generous Union Bank (Santa Barbara Branch).
The live auction included my personal favorite, the most adorable Kids Rule Table and Chairs Set, donated by Barbara Butler Artist-Builder Inc., Dinner for 8 at the Boathouse, Alaskin Adventure Package, Casa Blanca Pool House Tour (Carpinteria), Exclusive Pane e Vino Dinner for 8, and Seven Nights on the Mexican Coast. The event coordinator was Robin Sonner and the music was provided by my hubby, Santa Barbara DJ Scott Topper Productions. There were around 90 silent auction items including gift certificates to restaurants, private cooking classes, hotel stays, safaris, and so much more!
Event Coordinating by Santa Barbara Wedding Planner, Robin Sonner
Music by Scott Topper Productions
The chefs and GM’s were spunky, confident, and full of personality. The lively bunch were featuring their tastiest dishes all competing for the best dish People’s Award and Judges Award.
The featured Santa Barbara chefs included Chef Chanel Ducharme with Bluewater Grill, Chef Ranferi Rios with Casa Blanca, Chef Peter Cham with Finch & Fork, Owner and Chef Jeff Olsson of Industrial Eats, Chef Weston Richards of Les Merchand Merchant & Wine Bar, Chef Michael Hutchings of Michaels Catering, Chef Damien Gilbert of Outpost at the Goodland, Chef Renaud Gonthier of Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, Chef Jesus Charco with Santa Barbara Fishouse, Chef Justin West with Soul Cal Smokehouse, Chef Taylor Melonuk from The Middle Child, and Owner Michael Amador of Uncorked Wine Tasting & Kitchen and Desserts by Rincon Catering.
The Judges were Joey Buttitta, ABC-TV news anchor KEYT-3; George Yatchisin, food and drink writer; Hilary Dole Kein, writer/editor; and Geneva Ives, food and travel writer. All guests voted for their favorite Santa Barbara restaurant.
The winners? Drum Roll please… The 2019 People’s Choice winners includes Chef Damien Gilberto of Outpost at the Gooodland, Chef Chanel Ducharme of Bluewater Grill, Michael Amador of Uncorked Wine Tasting, and Chef Jesus Charco from Santa Barbara FisHouse.
It was great to attend this auction knowing that the event was a fun way to participate in community while generously donating.
Enjoy the portraits and food photos from the event!
Farmed Abalone on Chowder Sauce by Michael Hutchings of Michael’s Catering
