The Porter County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that $72,000 was raised at last night’s Chefs Around the Table fundraiser held at the Porter County Expo Center.
In its second year, the event raises funds for Empower Porter County’s initiative, Around the Table. Around the Table is a program designed to build strong families, resilient teens, and reduce substance abuse in Porter County.
The event was co-chaired by Rick Urschel and Garner Tullis. Executive Director of Our Greater Good, Garner Tullis said of the event, “The thing I love about the Around the Table initiative is that as critical as intervention is, prevention through connecting families, education and relationship-building is much more effective in the long run. I don’t think we can reduce the substance abuse epidemic without prevention being at the head, so that is why I love this event.”
CEO of Urschel Laboratories Rick Urschel added, “We offer our thanks to the chefs who donated their time and the individuals whose amazing generosity provided for a wonderful auction. Most importantly, we thank our corporate and private sponsors because without their contributions, tonight wouldn’t be possible. It is great to see everyone come together in a sense of unity for our kids.”
Nearly 100 business and community leaders gathered to compete against each other in a variety of food categories. Winners were judged by the most tips raised with all tips, of course, being donated to Empower Porter County. The winners in each category were:
Best Appetizer – Nick Popovich
Best Soup or Chili – Stephen Lunn
Best Salad or Side Dish – Stu Summers
Best Entree – Jason Myers
Best Dessert – Rick Urschel
Top Tips Raised – Rick Urschel
Empower Porter County Chairman Bill Oeding said, “What always amazes me is that when a need is identified, people come together to support it. That is certainly the case with Empower Porter County. Chefs Around the Table has been great because it raises money and awareness for this cause. While it is great that folks are enjoying good food and a fun time, even more important is the increased awareness of drug abuse in Porter County.”
The event was presented by Popovich Family Trust, Kotys Wealth Professionals, Porter Regional Hospital, NIPSCO and Cliff and Laura Bryan. Supporting sponsors included: Grieger Motors, St. Mary Medical Center, Porter Medical Staff, AM Stabilizers, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Centier Bank, Family Express, Farrall Wealth, 1st Source Bank, Ric and Kaye Frataccia, Indiana Beverage, Meyers-Glaros, NITCO, Porter County Community Foundation, Shive-Hattery (formerly Design Organization), Thorgren Tool & Molding Co., and the Times Media Company.
To learn more about Empower Porter County’s Around the Table initiative, please visit empowerpc.org.