United Way Celebrates "Best Chefs and Fine Wines" at Sold-Out Culinary Event

Mahopac, NY (Sept. 30, 2015) – A sold-out crowd of more than 300 Putnam and Westchester residents, community advocates, and volunteers supported United Way of Westchester and Putnam at the 7th annual “Best Chefs and Fine Wines” event Monday, Sept. 21. Proceeds from the event will help support United Way’s health initiatives in Westchester and Putnam, such as providing healthy foods to low-income families, reducing childhood obesity, and answering thousands of crisis calls through United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline.

Two dozen area restaurants served up tastings of delicious dishes, fine wines, and craft beers to attendees at Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac. A silent auction and live music from Art Labriola entertained guests as they experienced the area’s top culinary offerings.

“Not only is Best Chefs a great opportunity to try the finest culinary talents in our area, but we also recognized some of Putnam’s hardest working volunteers!,” said Alana Sweeny, president and CEO of United Way. “We graciously thank all of the evening’s sponsors, participating restaurants, and the community for supporting this important work.”

United Way of Westchester and Putnam also celebrated its 53rd Annual Meeting prior to the Best Chefs event. United Way gave their prestigious Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Awards to several individuals and organizations. TD Bank received the Corporate Award for their leadership in fundraising and commitment to the nonprofit sector, especially through support of the Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit training over 700 professionals each year.

The Yonkers Federation of Teachers received the Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Labor Award for their work supporting Yonkers Thrives, helping children succeed from cradle to career through community collaborations and their past support of the United Way campaign. Their service even included rolling up their sleeves to pour cement, dig, and paint a United Way Born Learning trail at Tibbetts Brook Park.

Four organizations were recognized with the Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Partnership Award for their work with the Collective Impact Forum, Putnam County Chambers of Commerce, Westchester County Association, The Business Council of Westchester, and Westchester Community Foundation. These four organizations have partnered with United Way to bring hundreds of community leaders together so that all people will have opportunities to learn, earn, be healthy, give back and enjoy life.

While leading the festivities, Scott Morrison (Chappaqua), current Board of Directors Chair, was surprised with the announcement that he was the recipient of the Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Volunteer of the year award. Mr. Morrison has served on the United Way board in numerous capacities and is a tireless advocate for United Way’s 2-1-1 - taking his message to both houses of Congress and the NYS Legislators. The Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Community Award went to the Northern Westchester community for raising the most dollars for the United Way 14-15 campaign year.

Additional recognition was given to five “Putnam Community Stars”, who exemplify volunteerism and service to Putnam. Recognized were Greg Amato (Mahopac), David Amram (Putnam Valley), Caroline Dumont (Patterson), David Lilburne (Garrison) and William Shilling (Carmel). Each honoree received an engraved star and proclamations for their efforts making Putnam a better place to live and work.

The event was made possible a grand sponsorship from NYSEG and premier sponsorship from Akzo Nobel and Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as well as many other community-minded organizations.