Jersey Shore Chefs Association Raises Over $20,000 at Winterfest

The Jersey Shore Chefs Association (JSCA) is pleased to announce that it raised over $20,000 at the sold-out Winterfest 2019 fundraiser which took place January 27 at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, NJ. Proceeds from the culinary event will benefit Fulfill, Ocean of Love, and The Victor J. Houston Scholarship Fund.

“Not only did we exceed our fundraising goal, but it was a privilege to see local culinary students interact and learn from some of the top chefs in our area,” said Nicholas Mercogliano WCMC, CEC, CPC, and President of the Jersey Shore Chefs Association. “We would like to thank all of our chapter members, volunteers, local chefs, culinary students, and event sponsors for their help organizing this event, and all of our attendees for coming out to support these amazing community organizations.”

This year’s Winterfest’s theme was “A Tailgate to Remember” and for the 200 attendees, the evening began with passed Hors d'Oeuvres prepared by culinary students from local New Jersey schools as part of a Junior Hors D'oeuvre Competition. Attendees also had the opportunity to play tailgate-themed games and participate in a silent auction. The main course was ten chef stations showcasing favorite recipes from across the country. The Junior Hors d'Oeuvre Competition was judged by all attendees and the winners are as follows:

Hot Category

Gold

School: Perth Amboy

Students: Daniella Perez and Arisleidy Torres Vargas

Recipe: Mini Beef Wellington

Silver

School: Freehold Boro

Students: Hailey Schneider and Rachel LaPreta

Recipe: Lobster Empanada

Bronze

School: East Brunswick

Students: Lexie Enzana and Ana Tavarez

Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Puffed Cheesesteak

Cold Category

Gold

School: Freehold Boro

Students: Rachel Fiorito and CJ Healy

Recipe: Scallop and potato cakes

Silver

School: Perth Amboy

Students: Darlissa Morilla and Adrianna Navarro

Recipe: Scallop and Watermelon w/soy miso

Bronze

School: Piscataway

Students: Antonio Vasquez, Ayden Dugasz, Brian Reyes Bendito, Diego Ramirez, Edanyelis Morales, Alexis Brown

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Jerk Pineapple Salsa

Chefs Choice Category

First

School: Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS)

Students: Katlyn Glynn and Jared DeNicola

Recipe: Buffalo style deviled eggs

Second

School: Piscataway

Students: Antonio Vasquez, Ayden Dugasz, Brian Reyes Bendito, Diego Ramirez, Edanyelis Morales, Alexis Brown

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Jerk Pineapple Salsa

Third

Culinary Education Center

Students: Danielle Valente and Janet Manzano

Recipe: Duck confit on a wonton crostada with spicy cherry and orange Mae Ploy

“Winterfest made its first inception in 1992 and I am so proud to see how much it has grown over the years,” said Mercogliano. “My hope for 2020 is to exceed this year’s fundraising goal and continue to support New Jersey organizations such as Fulfill, Ocean of Love, and The Victor J. Houston Scholarship Fund who continuously give back to the community.”

Winterfest 2019 was sponsored by Pepsi, Driscoll Foods, Gamer Girl, 3E Public Relations, The Aisle Photography, Singer Equipment Company, Brookdale Community College, Warshauer Electric Supply, A Need We Feed, The Robert Thomas Douglas Group At Morgan Stanley, Nulty Films, Brookdale Community College, Pecinka Ferri, Malachy Parts and Service, Nylabone, Priority Payments Local, Yardgames.com, Ice Sculptures by Kevin O'Malley, Carlos Bakery, Vera Bradley, Tiffany's and RC Fine Foods.