Local chefs cook up Alzheimer's fundraiser

Food is universal and connects us to our most cherished moments. Whether it be a holiday meal, a celebratory dinner, an original recipe or a dish passed down through generations, food connects us to moments we never want to lose.

A new fundraising event by the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York showcases several renowned local chefs who will share their meaningful moments related to food while raising awareness and funds for the local chapter.

“Around Your Table” on Thursday, April 29, features specially prepared small dishes from seven Western New York restaurants that will be delivered to participants to enjoy around their own table with family and friends. Wine, beer or seltzer and a reusable insulated tote complete the delivery package. An online program for the evening event will feature videos of the chefs discussing their dishes and their memories of family, as well as a silent auction.

The participating chefs/restaurants and their dishes:

•Hutch’s with chef/owner Mark Hutchinson preparing a Maryland crab cake with Cajun remoulade

•Rigatoni Bolognese from Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant & Banquet Facility and owner Dennis DiPaolo

•Jim Fingerlow of Just Say Cheesecake Bakery and Café creating cheesecake petit fours

•Oliver’s Restaurant chef/owner Ross Warhol making Aunt Lori’s layered taco dip

•Chef Mike Obarka of StockTheFreezer by Osteria 166 sharing Nani’s meatball

•Chef Dan Buckley of The Other Woman Catering serving sweet potato and leek soup

•West Rose chef Anthony Petrilli preparing hummus with roasted vegetables and chermoula

Tickets are limited for the April 29 event, which gets underway at 6 p.m. with News 4 Buffalo news anchor Dave Greber as emcee. Proceeds from ticket sales will fund the association’s efforts to provide care and support for all impacted by dementia across the WNY region. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased online at www.aytwny.givesmart.com.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

The local chapter provides programs, services and other resources for those living with dementia, their care partners, health care professionals and others across the eight counties of Western New York. To learn more, call 716-626-0600 during traditional business hours, or 24/7 at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org/WNY.