A Wonderful Evening at Chefscapades Raises Money for Interfaith Community Shelter!

Fundraisers can sometimes feel like a necessary evil both for those who attend and those who organize them. Not for Chefscapades, the annual fundraiser to raise money for the Interfaith Community Shelter. By combining a beautiful setting, divine cuisine and a message of hope and service for the guests, Chefscapades once again went above and beyond the “usual” fundraiser fare.

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In its sixth year, Chefscapades kicked off at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe on September 5 with over 160 people attending. Guests enjoyed cocktails at Bar Alto, the rooftop bar, with stunning views of Santa Fe, a sunset and the mountains. Then, they enjoyed a four-course dinner in the ballroom, where Mayor Alan Webber spoke briefly before Joe Jordan-Berenis presented one of the evening’s highlights: a touching video shining light on the history, mission and services Pete’s Place provides. Thanks to Melissa Edmon, director, and her husband, Tom Edmon, sound, for this amazing video. The video will soon be posted on the website, or you can look at it below:

With the tremendous support of the sponsors and donors, Chefscapades raised over $88,000 for the Interfaith Community Shelter.

New this year was the participation of teen chefs from Youthworks who prepared and served delicious hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour. Youthworks provides job training and placement, education and wrap-around services for young people on the margins.

The distinguished chefs for the dinner included James Campbell Caruso, owner and executive chef at La Boca; Ahmed Obo, owner and executive chef at Jambo Café; Sllin Cruz, executive chef at Geronimo; and Mirna Romero, pastry chef at Eloisa. Their culinary expertise resulted in a feast for the stomach and eyes.

Thank you to the Chefscapades Committee: Pat Murray, Honorary Chair; Beverly Kellam, Chair; Tony Blankenship, Chef Coordinator; Dan Liss, Venue Coordinator; Joe Jordan-Berenis; Betsy Bueschel, and Linda Rundell. Thank you to volunteers, Sue Carr and Alicia Wolfe.