Benefit Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

Fat Tuesday maybe a week away, but St. Jude’s Gourmet Gala kicked off the seasonal gluttony early Tuesday at the National Building Museum. For the 16th annual gala, a score of D.C.’s top restaurants were on hand to volunteer their time and menu items to benefit children suffering from pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases.

CEO Richard Shadyac addresses donors (Photo: Richard Barry/DC on Heels)

CEO Richard Shadyac of the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, an organization created to raise funds for St. Jude’s, emceed the event, which included a silent and live auction. Auction proceeds added to the $4 million already raised by the group for St. Jude’s. In addition, Shadyac presented the Chris Burress Hero Award to survivors who had received treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital for their courage and strength. Sarah-Marshall Thompson, a pediatric nurse, and Alexis Pond, an effervescent three-year-old, were the 2014 recipients.

Wolfgang Puck’s The Source restaurant took home the attendee favorite trophy (Photo: Richard Barry/DC on Heels)

After the program, guests were free to graze on the top-notch samples from D.C.’s restaurant scene. Notable establishments like Equinox, Restaurant Nora and Rogue 24 were present, although the restaurant to earn the most nods from attendees was Wolfgang Puck’s The Source.

Chocolate for miles (Photo: Richard Barry/DC on Heels)