GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 26,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society
(ACS) along with local partners Huntington Bank, American Culinary
Federation, Meijer, Lake Michigan Insurance, and WoodTv8 announce
the launch of Taste of Hope: A Chefs Competition. A foodie's dream
event, involving chefs competing, guests sampling foods, and
auction packages, will be held on November
7, 2022, at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The 2022 inaugural
event is presented by Huntington Bank.
"We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to our
community to meet the chefs and sample their incredible foods, all
to raise money for the American Cancer Society." Said Ken Jansen, President of Lake Michigan
Insurance Agency and Chair of the 2022 Taste of Hope event. "This
year all the funds raised will go toward researchers in
Michigan working to find answers
to end cancer. We have the talent to find the answers here. We are
confident this investment in Michigan research will pay off in the long
run."
There will be 16 Chefs competing for awards including: Best
Taste, Best Display, Best Presentation, People's Choice, and Top
Chef. Chefs include:
- Chef Phong Nguyen, Monsoon Grill
|
- Chef Balal Darwich, Shkode' Gun Lake
Casino
|
- Chef Danielle Nicole Garlock, Lucy's
|
- Chef Joseph VanHorn, YoChef's Catering
|
- Chef Alan Thompson, Apache Trout Grill
|
- Chef John Taylor, Red Water Grill
|
|
- Chef Mick Rickerd, Spectrum Health
|
- Chef Stephan VanHeulen, MDRD
|
- Chef Bryan Nader, Trinity Health
|
- Chef Lucas VerHulst, Reserve
|
- Chef Jennifer Struik, Private Chef
|
- Chef Trimell Hawkins, Private Chef
|
- Chef Michael Santo, River & Odi
|
- Chef Spencer Drudy, Terra
|
- Chef Maggie Thiel, Beacon Hill
|
Taste of Hope Culinary Chair, Shawn
Kohlhaas, Owner of Culinary Cultivations and President of
the American Culinary Federation (ACF) said "ACF is honored to work
with these talented chefs for the event and be able to highlight
their skills at this meaningful event. About 60% of our Chefs have
had their own personal experiences with cancer in their families,
so they are happy to give back to American Cancer Society."
In 2021, the American Cancer Society in Michigan raised $6
million. In turn, ACS invested over $13 million into Michigan's cancer research, programs, grants,
and services. $2.4 million has been
directed to West Michigan partners
including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, University of Michigan West, Michigan State University, Van Andel Institute, and
more to help implement the best care, top notch programs, and
impactful research.
Over 6,000 Michigan residents
called ACS' National Cancer Support line in 2021. Locally, ACS'
Road to Recovery program, put on hold during the pandemic, is
slated to begin offering rides to residents this winter or in the
first quarter of 2023. Locally, ACS staff members serve on several
area cancer support collaborations, cancer committees, and
programs.
"We believe that through research, patient support and advocacy
we can change the way West
Michigan residents experience cancer in our community. And
we could not do any of this without the support of our amazing
volunteers. They are the key," added Susan
Brogger, ACS Associate Director of West Michigan.
Sponsors for Taste of Hope: A Chefs Competition is presented by
Huntington Bank. Additional sponsors include: Meijer, Lake Michigan
Credit Union and Lake Michigan Insurance, Mercantile Bank, Montell
Construction, Priority Health, Alliance Beverage, Serendipity
Media, Wood TV 8, American Culinary Federation and Culinary
Cultivations. To learn more about the event visit
www.acstasteofhopewmi.org or email susan.brogger@cancer.org.
About the American Cancer
Society
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world
from cancer. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7
information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in
every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment. For more information, visit cancer.org.
Media Relations Contact:
Ginger Feldman
1 (616) 550-4995
ginger.feldman@cancer.org
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SOURCE American Cancer Society Michigan