Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta
Stacey Hoover, co-owner of Cockeye BBQ in Warren, serves ribs to Jonathan Bland of Garrettsville during the Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s second annual Chefs for Charity event Sept. 18 at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.

The second annual Chefs for Charity was hosted by Catholic Charities Regional Agency to raise money for their homeless programs and Voice of Hope homeless shelter for women and children.

“At Catholic Charities, we walk with people at their time of need, offering hope, dignity and compassion. Chefs for Charity reminds us that when we come together in faith and service, lives are transformed and communities are strengthened,” Youngstown Bishop David J. Bonnar.

“The Men Who Cook fundraiser was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, a new concept evolved, shifting from the traditional format featuring amateur cooks to a new celebration showcasing professional chefs and local restaurants,” said Jennifer Lucarelli, program manager at Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Youngstown.

Samples of dishes from 22 different restaurants in Mahoning, Trumbull and Mercer counties were available to the more than 500 guests in attendance.

The selections ranged from main courses such as lollipop lamb chops and Greek shrimp from Cafe 422, hickory smoked spareribs from Cockeye BBQ, Giorgio’s gnocchi and greens a la vodka, and roasted pork belly from Vernon’s Cafe, to hot dogs from Sharon Hot Dog Shop, tacos from El Tapatio and desserts such as Bogey’s cherry and white chocolate ciabatta bread pudding and butter cake from Aqua Pazzo.

The event also had several raffles, which included more than 104 gift baskets, a 50 / 50 raffle and a $1,000 prize.

Ed Moses, co-owner of V2 Wine Bar and Trattoria by Vernon’s in downtown Youngstown said, “All the restaurants are independently owned. They are local and part of the community, and we want to give back to it.”

He added that all the restaurants will be back next year.

During his opening remarks, Bonnar said, “This event coincides with the yearlong celebration of the Jubilee of Hope. The hard work of our chefs, along with your participation in this event, as well as the support of our sponsors, brings much hope to those in need through Catholic Charities.”

The year was designated the Jubilee of Hope by Pope Francis.

There were various reasons for participation in the event for the chefs and guests. Salvatore Coppola, owner of Salvatore’s Italian Grill in Howland, had personal knowledge of Catholic Charities’ programs and services.

“My daughter works for Catholic Charities in Washington, D,C. She is very committed to the work of Catholic Charities,” he said.

Coppola knows firsthand the commitment the nonprofit has to giving hope and helping neighbors in their communities.

Jennifer Vinkler of Youngstown said her husband.

Jason, has a special connection to the nonprofit.

“He was adopted through Catholic Charities’ adoption program,” she said.

This was the first year that Gina and Kevin McHenry of Lake Milton attended the event, but they hope to return next year.

“A friend who used to work at Catholic Charities invited us tonight. We have seen so many friends from different parishes here and we wanted to support Catholic Charities,” Gina McHenry said.

Giorgio Femia, chef and owner of Giorgio’s Ristorante in Niles, summarized the view of the chefs who took part in the event.

“This is for a good cause. I will help anyone who is in need as much as I can. I will come back as long as they need me,” he said.

Lucarelli said that many of the chefs have a special relationship with the bishop and that makes the event more fun.

“It’s also a great way to close out the summer and welcome the fall season together,” she said.