Cook 4 New Lives Gala and Culinary Battle

Today is Mother's Day and it's a fitting time to talk about a Charity Gala that I attended this week that supports the Massey Centre an organization that helps young mother's in need with different programs that allow them to continue their education and get the support they need to take care of themselves and their baby.  The #COOK4NEWLIVES Gala is also an opportunity for student chefs to pair with Professional Chefs in a competition that is voted on by well known food industry judges.  

Chef John Higgins | Director George Brown Chef School

Sara Lynn Cauchon | Creator, The Domestic Geek

Sebastian Centner | Eatertainment

Hosted by Big Brother Host Arisa Cox

Entertainment provided by AMBER

Akua Asabea Blair welcomed the guest to the Gala and introduced everyone to the work of the Massey Centre and one of the former members Jalisa Orr took the stage to tell everyone her story of getting pregnant at 16 and how it impacted her life and how the Massey Centre was able to help her change direction in her life.

The While the Students and their mentors were busy preparing the food in George Brown College's kitchens the Gala guests were sampling pizza from Pizza Nova, Shrimp Banh Mi Toasts by Hello Fresh, mini cupcakes from Don't call me a cupcake and tortilla chips and salsa from the Neal Brothers and beverages from Social Lite and Muskoka Brewery and Coca Cola Ltd.

They also had a really fun Photo Booth by Picture Photo Booth, set up with the most fun props I have seen in a while.

Then it was time for the Competition.  The teams brought out their dishes and everyone rushed to sample each of the 4 dishes.

The WINNING TEAM was:

Jessica Martineau | Oliver & Bonacini, Canteen with Andrea Cosalan GBC student

with their Steamed Puto, Pork Sausage with Ramp Puree

Suzanne Barr | Saturday Dinette  with Nao Akutagawa GBC student prepared:
Jerk Chicken, Buckwheat Ramen, Roasted Tomatoes

Amber Farrell | The Flock & formerly of Ceili Cottage with Saili Naiowade GBC student

Veggie Sliders

Tara Lee | Eastbound Brewing Company with Eungi Moon GBC student

Smoked Chicken Soup

This event wasn't just a cooking competition but it was also a Fundraising Gala to not only raise funds but awareness of the great work that the Massey Centre does.

There was a silent auction set up with some many amazing baskets and items like Hockey Jerseys and all kinds of great things.

Congratulations to everyone for the hard work putting this event together and all the hard work in helping young mothers achieve their dreams.

For more information about the Massey Centre and to Sponsor, donate, volunteer or whatever else you may be able to assist with contact them through their website:  http://www.massey.ca/contact-us/

Disclaimer:  The gala ticket was complimentary but the opinions and photos are my own.