On Saturday, November 16, 118 guests turned out to support Dan’s Legacy’s 11th Annual Chefs’ Charity Dinner presented by the BCGEU at the Freemasons Hall in New Westminster, and raised $77,685 for at-risk youth. The funds will go towards Dan’s Legacy’s trauma-informed, no barrier counselling programs, as well as its “Build a Kitchen” campaign.
Celebrity host Erin Cebula was the evening’s MC, which featured the culinary creations of Chefs Shay Kelly (LACH& KEA Culinary Consultants), Andrew Brazeau-George (Ono Collectives), Alannah Peddie (Frolic & Forage Catering), as well as Luke Willingdon assisted by students from Dan’s Diner. All dishes prepared at the fundraiser were made from surplus food.
The evening started off with the appetizers prepared by Luke Willingdon, Dan’s Legacy who served a trio: Beet and ginger soup, Grilled tiger prawn skewer and Asian inspired shredded beef wonton ‘taco’. Indigenous chefs Andrew George and his son Andrew George Jr. served a duo of Elk Goulash and Three sisters salad. There was also a crudites and cheese table near the bar for grazing.
The entree for most was Grilled beef with mashed potatoes, along with a family style Green salad, Autumn vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a delicious focaccia made with local cranberries.
There was a beautiful dessert buffet was by Pastry Chef Alannah Peddie of Frolic & Forage Catering + Cakery.
This year Dan’s Legacy predicts it will have provided services to approximately 700 at-risk youth in the Lower Mainland, who benefit from the charity’s harm prevention approach to counselling, and wrap-around support programs, as well as job training in the culinary industry. All of Dan’s Legacy’s programs are provided free of charge to the youth. Dan’s Legacy provides no-barrier therapeutic counselling and wrap-around programs to youth dealing with mental health and addictions issues. We go directly to the youth wherever they are, we try to maintain a no-wait list and all of our services are free. Last year Dan’s Legacy helped over 600 youth meet their educational, employment and recovery goals.
Read more about the organization here https://danslegacy.com/
By: Richard Wolak