PRESS

Contact: Meagan Marriott, Publicist
(949) 515-1755
Los Angeles CA
November 9, 2008
Download press release here.

Chew On This…
Chef Nicole Jaracz and fiancée Drew Carey pulled out all the stops recently hosting a private reception to launch the 2009 Orange County Culinary Charities™, a three day extravaganza benefiting Autism, Juvenile Diabetes and Pediatric Oncology - the brainchild of Laguna Beach resident Grace Gay Penney. It was a perfect evening with
a sea of stars illuminating LA’s indigo skyline and an ocean full of celebrity pals experiencing melt-in-your-mouth signature hors d’oeuvres of chefs extraordinaire Jean-Pierre Dubray, Adam Navidi and Pascal Olhats. An ever-rotating selection of premium wines, compliments of Levendi Vineyards.

Standing poised with mic in hand, Grace Penney unwrapped the program by gathering everyone poolside then explained the mission of OCCC™, and the connection between disease and diet, and the three widely known maladies affecting children: autism, diabetes and pediatrics oncology. Her personal quest for emerging treatment strategies and enhanced technology began, when; in the spring of 2007 Grace was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At the end of her four-month invasive cancer treatment Chop-R, Grace whispered a prayer and vowed to make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. And, whalah! A triple-day celebration to be held in March 2009 at The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Beach featuring culinary artistry through demonstrations, lectures and food tasting. With superlative fanfare and anticipatory excitement, international and local top chefs will compete in iron chef style. The ‘Laurel Wreath’ will be presented to the chef who designs the best school lunch menu.

Following her preamble, Grace introduced Michael Muhonen, MD – Director of the Neurosurgery Division at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Medical Director of The CHOC Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Muhonen presented a short video chronicling the life of 12-year old Cody Day who had a cancerous brain tumor. Laguna Beach Pediatrician Frances A. Duda, MD first suspected the tumor and referred the Day family to Dr. Muhonen. Not a dry eye in the house, Dr. Muhonen then introduced the inspiration for his clip, Cody Day. A sweet child with all the hopes of a future filled with boogie boarding, biking and bowling, Cody made his way to center stage. ‘I’m happy to be here; cancer isn’t good.’ Laughter broke through tears stealing the hearts of all.

Among the more than 150 guests who savored tasty treasures and the evening’s festivities were Jim Carey, Jenny McCarthy and Stan Kurtz – President of Generation Rescue [Jenny and Jim’s foundation]; ‘The Simpson’s’ creator Sam Simon; ‘Don’t-forget-to-buckle-your-seatbelt’ traffic reporter Paul Johnson and wife Nancy; Christine Evey, Mariah Carey’s manager; Price Is Right announcer Rich Fields and game show models; VIPs from Sony Records and CBS Studios; Irvine Company’s Ralph Grippo – President of Resort Properties and Mark Murphy – Vice President of Marketing, along with Nance Trevithick – Director of Group Sales – The Resort at Pelican Hill™.

With nobility of purpose and a tasteful pursuit to raise critical funds, Grace thanked those in attendance and dialed up the soiree by introducing America’s Got Talent contestants Damien and Tourie Escobar of Nuttin’ But Stringz, who will also be performing at the March event. For further information call 1-866-99-VOILA or visit www.culinaryolympics.org