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.

Cook for New Lives Gala for the Massey Centre

What:      1^st - “Cook for New Lives” gala fundraiser

Why:        For Teen mom programs at the Massey Centre

When:     Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 6 p.m.

Where:    Atrium, George Brown College Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 300 Adelaide Street East, Toronto

Website:  http://www.masseygala.com

Hashtag: #Cook4NewLives

I was invited to attend the first  “Cook for New Lives” gala fundraiser for the Massey Centre (http://www.massey.ca), a not-for- profit Children’s Mental Health Centre that helps pregnant and parenting adolescents and their babies was held at the George Brown College Atrium. 200-plus guests and moms from Massey Centre along with some of Toronto’s most famous and inspiring chefs for a one-of- a-kind cooking competition.

Four aspiring female student chefs will be mentored by well-known Professional Chefs:  Alex Feswick, Lora Kirk, Anne Yarymowich, and Susanne Barr, and their enticing dishes will be enjoyed by you and judged by celebrity Chefs:  Claudio Aprile, Chef & Owner, Orderfire Hospitality Group and Masterchef Canada Judge; John Higgins, Director George Brown Chef School and Chopped Canada Judge; and YouTube sensation, Sara Lynn Cauchon, Creator, The Domestic Geek.     

The evening was hosted by founder of Foodie and the Beast, and THE SOCIAL’s Digital Correspondent, Jess Allen. 

During the evening guests were invited to:

• Sample a tasting of the creations submitted by the duo chefs for judging.
• Enjoy complimentary wine, beer and canapés.
• Vote in the people's choice award for your favourite dish.
• Bid on the amazing array of silent auction items and a roaming raffle draw.
• Mix and mingle with friends, colleagues and fellow guests.

 The winning dish made by Haewon Choi was braised short rib with sweet potato perogies.  

Other dishes included a Cod and Shrimp fish cake, chicken on a cheese biscuit, vegetarian and goat bites.

There was a moving speech made by one of the Massey Centre residents who after dealing with a challenging childhood and becoming pregnant at a young age is now turing her life around and is looking to the future with a career in cosmetology and the ability to take care of her 2 year old son with strength and hope.

All proceeds from the Gala will support Massey Centre a Children’s Mental Health Centre that helps pregnant and parenting women and their babies who reside at the Centre and in the community. The young families benefit from a comprehensive range of programs, services and supports 24/7 that respond to their individual mental health, education and transitional housing needs.

The young women who call Massey Centre home are one of the highest-risk and most vulnerable groups in Canada.

Tickets were $99 per person and included a cocktail reception, gourmet cuisine, no-host bar and silent auction.

It's not too late to donate funds to help out the centre.  You can donate online through Canada Helps here:  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/Securities/DonateBasket.aspx

Follow the Massey Centre on twitter at https://twitter.com/MasseyCentre and on 

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Massey-Centre-for-Women-230785837035451/.  

They had a fun photo booth set up and as usual my Food Blogger partner in food crimes Mary's Happy Belly were there to get silly with hats.