Evening with the Chefs funds 10 culinary scholarships
Article published on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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| Photo courtesy of RYAN WELLS FOUNDATION |
| Sheraton Sand Key chef John Harris gives a thumbs up at the culinary delights. |
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SAND KEY – Evening with the Chefs hosted by the Sheraton Sand Key attracted 300 patrons and netted the Ryan Wells Foundation a record $75,000.
Proceeds from the event funded hospitality and culinary arts scholarships for 10 Pinellas County students from Tarpon Springs, Osceola, and Northeast high schools.
Students worked side-by-side with accomplished executive chefs to prepare and serve signature entrées.
Led by Chef John Harris of the Sheraton Sand Key, participating chefs included Chris Ponte of Café Ponte, Tom Pritchard of Island Way Grill, Andre Halston of Innisbrook Resort, Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill, Stephen Jordan of SandPearl Resort, David Miller of Savant Fine Dining, Scott Bebell of Guppy’s and Doug Bebell of Mystic Fish.
Scholarships were matched by Johnson & Wales University and awarded to Dylan Scruggs, Keri Foland, Jodge Kastel, Samantha Hubbell, Carol Ann Millergren, Shane Clark, Melie Semsedin, Jason Issacs, and Nicole Carmen. Diane Williams’ scholarship was matched and elevated by Johnson & Wales to a full-tuition scholarship valued at $80,000 to the university’s Miami campus.
“It’s an absolute treat to provide students with hands-on experience and raise funds for culinary scholarships,” said John Harris.
“We are delighted to host and support this event. All of us at the Sheraton fully endorse the foundation’s mission and objectives,” said Russ Kimball, general manager of the Sheraton Sand Key.
The foundation was established in tribute to Ryan Wells, a Tarpon High School student who was tragically killed in an automobile accident while returning home from Miami, where he represented the school’s culinary program. Since its inception in 2005, the foundation has awarded 30 scholarships in Ryan’s honor, and provided substantial support for high school ProStart Culinary programs.
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Article published on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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