Residents enjoyed food, drinks and nice weather Friday at the annual Aiken’s Cookin’ with Celebrity Chefs held at The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation.
The fundraiser was hosted by the Mental Health America of Aiken County and all proceeds benefit the organization, which works to support those affected by a diagnosed mental illness.
Mental Health America of Aiken County Executive Director Lisa Tindal helped to coordinate the fundraiser.
“This is our trademark event and it’s very important to us because it’s the only one we do,” Tindal said.
Cathy Sirmens, with Mental Health America of Aiken County, said the event gives the organization a chance to get their name out in the community and let local businesses play a part.
Liz Neal, event chairwoman, said she has been participating in Celebrity Chefs for 15 years and is proud to have seen it grow significantly over the years.
“We I started I think we made around $5,000 and now we make well over $20,000, which is wonderful to see,” Neal said. “Everyone looks forward to this event every year and we like to keep it casual. We don’t allow professional chefs. They are simply people who like to cook and have a good time.”
The celebrity chefs were all members of community from different businesses, which included Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health, ResCare Homecare, Real Smoak, Hitchcock Plaza Assisted Living, First Citizens Bank, United Way of Aiken, True Value, Aiken Electric Cooperative and George Funeral Home to name a few.
Each team of celebrity chefs picked what they wanted to serve and some even had a theme to tie everything together. Needles to say, attendees got a wide array of items to choose from Friday.
There was sushi, barbecue, sliders, brownies, fondue and much more. Guests were able to vote for their favorites by spending a dollar to vote. The winners received trophies.
Guests also were entertained through the evening by local band Third Time Charmers.
This was the first time the event has been held at The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation, 3000 The Reserve Club Dr. and the atmosphere was a big hit.
“This is our best venue yet,” Neal said.
For more information about Mental Health America of Aiken County visit mha-aiken.org.
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