| Photo by Emma Delk | Wheeling Health Light leaders were busy deciding the lineup for the Chef's Auction table at Thursday's kickoff breakfast. From left: Wheeling Health Right Marketing Director Anne Ricci, Wheeling Health Right Executive She-Director Kathie Brown, and Wheeling Health Right Assistant She-Director Dee Philips.
Local chefs and restaurateurs kicked off the fundraiser Thursday with breakfast at the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack, before serving their signature dishes at the Wheeling Health Lights Chef's Auction.
The 28th Annual Chef's Auction will be held at WesBanco Arena on May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Wheeling Health Right, which covers medical services for underprivileged residents.
At the auction, local chefs and restaurateurs will present their best dishes and compete in the categories of Best Dish, Best Decoration, and People's Choice.
“This setting is not like a chef handing out little soufflé cups,” said Kathy Brown, executive director of Wheeling Health Right. “A large amount of food is served, so if you're not satisfied, it's your own fault.”
The theme for this year's Chef's Auction is “Back to the Beach.” The chef offers themed dishes in addition to some classic menu items. Brown encourages restaurateurs and attendees to prepare for the event by wearing their best Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses.
“We've done beach themes before and it's been really popular because people can put on their beach clothes and have a really relaxing evening,” Brown said. . “This year, we will be bringing in some fire dancers and hula dancers as entertainment to tie in with the theme.”
The event will also feature a silent auction of 25 items, including trips to Disney and Myrtle Beach. In addition to a silent auction, there will also be a $10 wine pull, a caricature artist, and a selfie station.
At Thursday's kickoff event, chefs and restaurant owners met to discuss what dishes could be prepared and where tables would be placed.
Luke and John Duplaga, General Managers of Generations Restaurant & Pub, brainstormed over breakfast what specialties they would sell to match this year's beach theme. In keeping with last year's “Yellowstone” theme, Generations offered pork rinds at auction.
While the Duplaga family is still planning what food to serve this year, Luke Duplaga has already decided on his fundraiser attire: swimming trunks.
“Every restaurant offers something different from their regular menu, so it was really interesting last year to try everything,” Luke Duplaga said. “Last year's Yellowstone costume was really good, so I'd like to see this year's beach costume as well.”
Judy and Kirk Porterfield, owners of Kirk's Homemade Ice Cream, decided to stick to their guns and offer their ice cream at auction. Kirk Porterfield teased that they'll be bringing a lot of traditional flavors, and Judy Porterfield said they plan to make food items such as cookies to serve with the ice cream.
“Our ice cream already fits the theme pretty well,” Kirk Porterfield said. “This event is so much fun. We just serve ice cream and visit all the restaurants. It's a really good time.”
Auctioneer Jim Furio, who has been running auctions at the event since its inception, said the ceremony was not only fun but also for a good cause.
“All proceeds will go to working class people who for whatever reason don't have health insurance,” Julio explained. “The scariest thing in the world is when you have a health problem and you don't have insurance.”
Brown said all proceeds from the event will go toward the organization's general operating expenses, meaning “every penny” raised will go toward patient care.
“This is an opportunity to show the community what we do and raise funds to fulfill our mission,” Brown said. “We had a great response from the community at last year’s auction and it’s great to see how they have embraced us.”
Participating chefs and restaurants include Chef & Company, Generations Pub & Restaurant, Golden Chopsticks, Kirke's Homemade Ice Cream, Mehlman's Cafeteria, Pickles Eatery & Bar, Texas Roadhouse, The Jakery, Pike 40, Unique Treats by Jacquie, Valley Cheese, Includes the Wheeling Coffee. The Shops, Wheeling Country Club, Wheeling Island Hotel Casino & Racetrack, Oglebay Resort, and Chef Rocco Basile.
To purchase tickets, call Wheeling Health Right at 304-233-9323 or visit wheelinghealthright.com.
