Feeding the masses

Chef Christopher Bonacci has a dish ready to serve a guest as his wife, Shawna Bonacci, scoops braciole and polenta with sausage in Bolognese sauce into a dish to serve a guest during Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s Chefs for Charity fundraiser Sept. 17 at the St. Demetrios Community Center in Warren.

WARREN -- In his welcoming remarks at the third annual Catholic Charities Regional Agency's Chefs for Charity fundraiser Sept. 17 at the St. Demetrios Community Center, Youngstown Bishop David J Bonnar encompassed the hall's atmosphere when he said, "One of the most sacred places in every home is the dining room table. It is the place where we gather as a family to share a meal and be sustained not just through the food prepared but the conversation that takes place that feeds the human heart.

"As bishop, I want to welcome you to our table this evening where we gather to share a meal and do even more, especially for our community. There is a saying, 'Everything tastes better when it is eaten together.'"

Bonnar ate with his family. Three of his siblings and extended family traveled from Pittsburgh to attend the charitable endeavor.

The event included 22 food stations offering samples from Mahoning Valley restaurants and catering services. Culinary selections included Beef Barbacoa Tacos from The Lake Club in Poland; Wolf Wings with a sauce bar from The Blue Wolf Tavern in Boardman; Lollipop Lamb Chops from Station Square Ristorante in Liberty; Roasted Pumpkin Rigatoni A La Vodka from Casa Di Canzonetta in downtown Youngstown; Pork Souvlaki over Rice Pilaf from Jeffrey Chrystal Catering in Youngstown; and Butter Cake from Aqua Pazzo in Boardman.

Julian Davis and Dina Kimbrough of Boardman said this was the first time that they came to this fundraiser.

"We will be back," Davis said.

He said sampling the food made him want to visit the restaurants that were represented.

Kimbrough said, "I always like to give back when I can. This was a nice wholesome event."

Bonnar agreed about the food offerings.

"We know that taste is often influenced by the skills of those who prepare it. Tonight, we are blessed to have the best of the best with us from restaurants here in the Valley. I assure you that the many selections of food provided here this evening from their hands will taste delicious and bring joy to the heart.

"The fruits of their labors, the generous sharing of their gifts along with the food they are providing tonight goes far beyond this extended table. For you see, the proceeds from this endeavor will assist the poor and needy in our community with housing assistance."

Michele Puccetti of Niles and her daughter, Kristen Pucetti of Pittsburgh, and their friend, Carla Cicero of Niles, attended all three Chefs for Charity events. The rest of their table included additional family members.

Cicero said that not only is she happy to help the charity but, "the food is wonderful."

Besides the variety of delectable food, a basket gift raffle and a cash raffle took place while John Reese and Backbeat provided the music.

Nick Frankos of Buena Vista Cafe in Warren expressed the overall feeling of the chefs in attendance at the community center.

"These are all my brothers here," he said, then pointed out the main reason behind the event.

"This is for Catholic Charities to help the community."

His daughter, Selena Frankos, added, "This is an important cause for us to be a part of because it helps people in need."

The food offered an opportunity not only to nourish the people who attended, but the money raised will help numerous people in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties combat homelessness.