This year, Symphony of Chefs introduced a new level of giving and culinary excellence at the ninth annual signature fundraiser, benefitting KidLinks on Monday, February 25, 2019, at Sixty-Five Hundred. Philanthropists, socialites and other well-known patrons of the Dallas community gathered to enjoy a wine-paired four course dinner prepared by 29 of the most reputable chefs in the Dallas metroplex. All proceeds directly supported KidLinks, a North Texas-based non-profit that provides healing, hope and happiness for children and families through therapeutic music entertainment and music therapy programs.
Guests were instantly greeted by a champagne wall as they trickled into the venue, which (naturally) set the tone for the rest of the evening. The intimate evening of just over 250 people began with light bites from featured hors d’oeuvres chef, Isaac Kek of Musumé, and live musical entertainment from some of Booker T. Washington’s finest.
The magical aroma of food filled the air and teased guests, as chefs made last-minute preparations before welcoming patrons to their individual tables. As soon as 7:00 p.m. struck, it was go-time! The curtains opened revealing the room where guests would enjoy a delicious meal prepared tableside by their selected chef. As guests were seated for the first course, WFAA Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus took the stage to give welcoming remarks. During his welcome, Pete shared a story of how music is something so near and dear to his family. You could tell by the sincerity in his voice that he was thrilled to be a part of such a lovely cause!
Happiness filled the air as the courses began and the wine, courtesy of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, flowed. A nicely bound cookbook was gifted to each guest comprised of original recipes from each of the participating chefs. As the last course wrapped up, featured pastry chefs Cesar Barachina of The Star and Dunia Borga of LaDuni Baking Studio presented their decadent desserts, which ended the evening in the sweetest way possible.
As guests enjoyed dessert, KidLinks CEO Diana Crawford took the stage to express her gratitude to the crowd, sponsors and chefs for contributing to the success of the night. Soon after, a video presentation played on the screen that told a story of the impact KidLinks has made on a client. While guests were both crying and smiling as the video ended, it was time for the Live Auction of experiences. Pete took the stage to introduce the live auctioneer, Mike Trent, who kicked off the auction with the classic game of Heads & Tails. The lively crowd came out of their food coma to raise over $45,000 in a lively auction featuring seven culinary experiences around Dallas-Fort Worth, generously donated by event chefs.
Guests Included: Honorary Chairs Jenny and Tim Dove; 2019 Event Co-chairs Vinette and Mike Montgomery, Amy Pratt, and Kaari and James Wicklund; Founding Event Chairs Bonnie and Nathan Shea; Honorary Chef Chair Gorjiof Gorji Restaurant; Honorary Chef Chair Emeritus Salvatore Giselluof Urban Family Restaurants;Ann and J.W. Brown;Karen and Mike Dollar; Georgia and Marc Lyons; Mynan and Sam Feldman; Marian and Jon Glass; Jesse Betts; Ellen and Jim Markus; Giulia and Erec Winandy; Sara and Matt Bodzy; Pebble and Mike McGhee; Suzanne and Scot Smith; Karen and David Skidmore; Joe Goyne; Maria Manas; Rae and Craig Story.
Photo Credit: Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Smith