Chefs Who Care Raises over $16,000 for the Animals of Pawsibilities

Chrissie Hynde’s Vegiterranean restaurant, Executive Chef J. Scot Jones and Pawsibilities, The Humane Society of Greater Akron came together for the Second Annual Chefs Who Care event to raise over $16,000 for the animals of PHSGA.

Held Aug. 18 at Vegiterranean, Chefs Who Care brought in more than 200 people for an evening of appetizers and desserts prepared by Chef Jones, a benefit auction and live music by Billy N' Brooks.

A local celebrity bartender contest was held through out the evening. Guest were encouraged to throw their drink tips into their favorite bartender's tip jar to help him become this year's Favorite Guest Bartender! The competition was stiff with four of Akron's finest behind the bar including Summit County Executive Russ Pry, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville and 91.3 The Summit Station Manager Tommy Bruno. As the evening came to a close Russ Pry took the lead to become this year's Favorite Guest Bartender!

The main event of the evening was the benefit auction featuring an array of dinner and wine packages donated by area chefs. Each auction item was specially designed to create a dining experience which reflected the spirit, ambiance and flavors that are reminiscent of the seasons. Many including additional perks like golf privileges, spa treatments or meals prepared and served in alternative venues including bidders’ homes, a century-old renovated barn and Chrissie Hynde’s loft apartment. Among area executive chefs who created auction packages were Chef J. Scot Jones, Jerry Risner of Gervasi Vineyard and Italian Bistro, Brendan Meeker of Glenmoore County Club, Louis Prpich of Chowder House and Sugo’s, David Russo of Russo’s, Scot Ferris of Ken Stewart’s Tres Belle and John Kolar of Thyme the Restaurant.

Pawsibilities, The Humane Society of Greater Akron would like to Thank board member and event chair, Shelly Allio and Chef J. Scot Jones for their hard work and dedication to PHSGA for putting Chefs Who Care on for a second year. This fundraiser exclusively benefits PHSGA, which relies on donations and gifts for 80 percent of our total funding.