From feast to fundraiser

Photo: Contributed - Downtown Vernon Association

What started out as a cooking competition turned into a fundraiser to help a Vernon family.

Downtown Vernon’s Avenue Market hosted the finale of the Chef’s Corner Cook-off last Friday, and when organizers learned Tony Rupp was in need of a kidney transplant, they used the event to raise money to help cover some of his expenses.

Rupp Metalworks donated the grills for past cook offs. To raise money, tickets were sold and people were given the chance to become judges in the contest. The event raised $2,200.

“Once word got out, tickets sold out within 24 hours. The support from the community was absolutely amazing," said Lara Konkin, executive director of the DVA. "The chefs were willing to help out any way that they could in order to raise funds, they were exceptional."

Ticket holders were treated to a three-course meal prepared by some of Vernon’s top chefs, including Billy Sanderson (Gumtree Catering/Olive Us), Kristina Sidorczuk (Eatology), Jennifer Innis (Masterchef Canada) and Eric Wisse (Station BBQ). The food was complimented by wine tastings by Armstrong's Edge of the Earth Vineyards and cider from BX Press Cidery & Orchard.

One chef was eliminated at each course, leaving only two chefs standing for dessert. Sanderson and Sidorczuk had only 40 minutes to prepare their final course to wow the judges and become the cook-off winner.

“They both knocked it out of the park with their desserts. It really was a battle right to the very end,” said Konkin. “All of the courses were outstanding. Judges had their work cut out for them. It would have been really hard, but delicious at the same time.”

Gumtree's Sanderson was the eventual winner.

“We couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome – as both a fundraiser and a cook-off,” said Konkin.