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(Photo Credit: Thuy Tran Photography. Chefs L to R: Erin Pickering, Tina Tang, Aman Dosanj, Jinhee Lee, Leah Massey. Winemakers L to R: Dave Paterson, Severine Pinte, Penelope Roche, Jacqueline Kemp.)
An all-star team of chefs and winemakers raised $10,774.30 for Foundry Kelowna, KARIS Support Society, and Slow Food Canada last month when they hosted the International Women's Day dinner, Press For Progress. Event organizer and local chef, Aman Dosanj, hand-picked the five talented chefs and winemakers for the five-course event.
Throughout the evening, each member of the team, including representatives from the three charities, stood up and shared their personal experiences and connections to mental health.
"What a wonderful event bringing a powerhouse of female talent together and showcasing what our valley has to offer, it was an honour to be a part of," said David Paterson of Tantalus Vineyards, host location of the event.
This is the second year Dosanj the event has taken place and Dosanj hopes to continue the charity night annually, as it's a cause that's close to her heart.
Serving just over 40 guests at two long tables, Dosanj says the small size provides a more intimate atmosphere.
The unique dishes served, and talented chefs and winemakers under one roof made for an incredible evening, says Dosanj. But the overwhelming theme of sharing in each others' triumphs and challenges with mental health far surpassed the five courses.
"This dinner is about kindness, celebrating differences and being able to ask for help, and we did just that," said Dosanj, former Poppadoms co-owner.
She brought in talented women who are chefs in both Alberta and B.C.
"To connect with your guests and peers so deeply; to see the excitement in people's eyes as plates were set down, to tell stories, and draw tears, for our winemakers to help pour their peers' wine, to watch the ladies in the kitchen support each other and have fun, and to receive another standing ovation...is magical."
After plenty of food and wine, and an array of heartfelt stories, the night ended with a standing ovation from the happy and content guests.
Meanwhile, Dosanj is already planning the third annual dinner for Friday, March 8, 2019.
KARIS Support Society is a non-profit that helps women and children recover from trauma and move forward in a supportive living environment.
Slow Food is a global grassroots organization helping others access healthy food.
Foundry Kelowna is a youth and family clinic that supports young people by intervening at an early age and connecting them with appropriate resources.
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