What better way to inform people about the work of Project PAVE and raise money than by sharing an evening of fine food, expert wine pairing, and great fun at Denver’s premiere restaurant, Strings.
Celebrating its sixteenth year, the Secret Chef’s Wine Dinner and Auction’s top-of-the-line menu, expert wine pairing, and one-of-a-kind auction items elevate this fundraiser into a league of it own. Year after year, Tammy and Noel Cunningham have closed their doors and opened their hearts as hosts of this fabulous event.
Secret Chef’s includes a magnificent eight-course meal specifically paired with fine wines amid lively company. The American Wine Society gathered some of the finest vineyards that personalize the wines with dinner. The 2007 menu featured hors d’ oeuvres by O’s Steak and Seafood at the Westin, duck comfit prepared by Greg Barnhill of Zoka’s Restaurant, and braised elk medallions with truffled sweet potatoes by local artist, Gary Paul. Ingredients for several key menu items have been generously donated by Whole Foods Market – sponsor of the event’s inaugural cookbook.
“I am thrilled to be involved with Secret Chef’s in its fifteenth year. With its focus on fine food, expert wine pairing, and celebrity winemaker guests, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser,” says Joe Hubbard, Secret Chef’s Event Chair. Vic Bourassa, of Bourassa Vineyards in Napa Valley, added to the festivities and served as the emcee and auctioneer of the evening. Bill and Jeannie Ritter, long-time Project PAVE supporters and volunteers, attended the event to show her support for the agency.
Look for the Secret Chefs Cookbook on the shelves of Whole Foods!
“These incredible young men and women are a testament to the power of inner strength and resiliency. They have faced more hardship than most of us do in a lifetime and we could not be more proud of their successes,” says Michael Johnson, Project PAVE’s executive director.
For the past thirteen years, The Janus Foundation and Project PAVE have partnered to award scholarships to graduating seniors who have risen above violence and abuse to pursue their dreams of a college education. Year after year, The Janus Foundation has generously contributed the scholarship seed money and additional scholarship funding is raised throughout the year. In 2008, twelve very special young men and women were awarded $3,500 scholarships for post high school educational expenses. The scholarships are awarded at the Project PAVE – Janus Foundation Scholarship Luncheon where the community comes together to honor these young adults. The following quote from a previous scholarship recipient is an example of the resiliency that is the focus of the scholarship luncheon.
“For as far back as I can remember living in a troubled family is all I have known. I don’t even remember how old I was when the violence started. I was a tough guy football player who didn’t cry at anything, but that night I cried the hardest I ever had. I have used all of the problems and issues to make myself a stronger and better person.”
