Western Mass. chefs heat things up for Jimmy Fund
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By Lori O'Brien
Correspondent
AGAWAM- A "lifesaving mission."
That's how Barbara Sadowsky of Longmeadow describes the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. And she should know 28 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and credits the Institute with saving her life. As her way of giving back and saying thanks, Sadowsky dedicates her time and energy to the Jimmy Fund.
"As a member of the Jimmy Fund's Western Mass. Council, I support and am involved with all the events in this area," she recently told Reminder Publications.
The latest Jimmy Fund benefit locally is the 16th annual Great Chefs in Western Mass. gala at Chez Josef on Jan. 27.
"I like this particular event because it reaches such a broad number of people in the community and helps build awareness of the Jimmy Fund's lifesaving mission," said Sadowsky, who is chairperson of the fundraiser.
Chefs from across Western Massachusetts also believe in this cause and will dish up a host of tasty entrees at least 30 at last count.
Eateries participating in the 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. fundraiser include Cerrato's Pastry Shop, Chandler's Restaurant, Chef Josef, Connecticut Culinary Institute, Currents Restaurant & Bar, Delaney House, E.B.'s Restaurant, Elegant Affairs, Elmcrest Country Club, Fazio's Ristorante and Frigo's. Also, Hampden House Caf, HDS Services, Hofbrauhaus, Horizons Restaurant & Bar, Leone's Restaurant, The Log Cabin, The Magic Bus featuring Herrell's Ice Cream, Max's Tavern, Olive Oil's, Partners Restaurant & Catering, Pintu's Indian Place, Rinaldi's Italian Spec. Inc., Salvatore's Restaurant, School Street Bistro, Simone's, Sitar Restaurant, Storrowton Tavern, Table 9 Restaurant and the Texas Roadhouse.
"Each chef will create a unique entre," said Sadowsky.
The theme of this year's fundraiser is "The Magic Is Back."
"This theme was so popular a few years ago we decided to bring it back, but with a new flair," she added. "Nine magicians will be performing while guests dine."
Sadowsky promises magic will be in the air as guests mingle between restaurant sampling stations and dine at bistro tables. Recommended attire is "festive and casual."
A goal of $70,000 has been set to raise for that evening, in part from ticket sales, as well as from a silent auction and raffle. Silent auction items range from Red Sox, Yankees and Mets trips to wine pairings and photography. Raffle prices include a hat full of restaurant gift certificates valued at $1,000, 100 gallons of gas priceless these days, and an Apple iPod Nano, valued at $260. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or five for $20.
As chairperson of the event, Sadowsky is responsible for managing the logistics as well as sparking enthusiasm among committee members, sponsors and volunteers. She credits a wonderful committee of dedicated volunteers who are invaluable to her in this endeavor. Committee members include Andrew Cohen of Longmeadow, Jimmy Fund Western Mass. Council President; Diane Massaro of Agawam, Council Vice President; Ellen Shapiro and Paula Zimmer, both of Longmeadow, serving as Auction Co-Chairs; Gail Suchy of West Springfield, Raffle Chair; Anthony Frasco of Southwick, Signage Chair, and Domenic Battista of West Springfield, Volunteers Chair.
Tickets for the evening affair are $65 per person and must be purchased in advance of the event. Tickets are available through the Western Mass. Jimmy Fund Office, (888) 546-6938, or via its website, www.jimmyfund.org/eve/event/great-chefs/.
Sponsors of the event include Winer/Levsky Group Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Kittredge Equipment Co., Inc., Neal & Wendy Webber, Bacon & Wilson, P.C., Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction Co., Peoples Bank, Williams Distributing Corp., Century Investment Co., OMG, Inc., and The Ranch Golf Club.
The Jimmy Fund began in 1948 when the Variety Club of New England (now the Variety Children's Charity of New England) and the Boston Braves joined forces to help a 12-year-old cancer patient dubbed "Jimmy." During a national radio broadcast, millions heard the boy visit his heroes from the Braves as they stood by his hospital bed. As contributions poured in, an effort was launched that continues today to bring hope to thousands of children and adults at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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