The FUN of FUNdraising

We have a special culinary community here in Dallas, in addition to what patrons read in the newspapers many of the chefs and owners of restaurants happen to also be great friends on the side. We prepare and serve food at annual fundraisers to help raise money for some great causes. Not all of us do the same events, but we all (I'm certain) feel a satisfaction in helping our city be a better place through our efforts.

Saturday's Zoo To Do is a prime example of the fun these chefs have together, and it was true to its label, a Hullabaloo. Hurricane Ike actually proved to be a blessing in disguise, forcing a re-scheduling from late September to November 1, which turned out to be a lovely evening for an outside fundraiser. And while the date changed, our original dish stayed the same, a 5 Spice Duck Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette and Crispy Wontons - which is also a new menu item at the restaurant.

We were between Nick & Sam's and Chamberlain's, with Del Frisco's and Eatzi's down the way and Suze across our little cul-de-sac of booths. Several of the chefs brought their school-aged helpers, and we couldn't have done it without their help. Sister brought her friend Pamela and she enjoyed very much the evening (even though it meant four hours on her feet), she shortly became a pro at reciting the food we were serving. And it wasn't all work, work, work, they got to pet the stingrays in the stingray pool, visit the gorillas and taste some of the wonderful food that the 22 business provided for the evening.

Such is the recipe for preparing future volunteers.

The chefs' dine-around package sold for $16,000 in the live auction to a neighbor of ours, I'm trying to get the girls to throw in a little free babysitting to go with it.

Groovadelic Sevy with pal Richard Chamberlain, top left. Lisa Chamberlain called in to help for the evening, center. The staff of 3 booths, bottom.