Philly's finest chefs helped local nonprofit ACHIEVEability raise over $185,000 this past Saturday night at the Food For Thought fundraiser. Led by Philly's brightest star, Marc Vetri, twelve of our very best cooks were on hand to plate goodies for the crowd that filled Urban Outfitters HQ at the Navy Yard.
"I know Marc through our pick-up basketball league," said ACHIEVEability CEO Marcus Allen. "I asked him what we could do for the fundraiser. He said, let's get some famous chefs."
Vetri sent out the bat signal to some very familiar names: Top Chef Kevin Sbraga, Chip Roman (Blackfish), Michael Solomonov (Zahav), Jon Adams (Pub and Kitchen), Marcie Turney (Barbuzzo), Jeff Michaud (Osteria), Mitch Prensky (Supper), Peter Woolsey (Bistrot La Minette), John Stritzinger (Del Frisco's) and Andrew Masciangelo (Savona). Dana Herbert, winner of TLC's hit show Next Great Baker, was also on hand.
ACHIEVEability is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for single parent, low-income families. Food For Thought is poised to become the organization's signature event. In addition to the proceeds collected through the $250 entrance fee, there was also a silent and live auction, which included dinner for twelve at the Chef's Table at Osteria. That particular item brought in nearly $5,000.
Click through the slideshow for shots of the chefs in action, as well as Dr. Ian Smith of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, and CNN anchor Ali Velshi, who was emcee for the evening.
For more information, check out the website and get involved. [The Feast]
