HELPING END HUNGER

Mickey and Eva Hudson with Summer Jones and Matt Hudson. All Photos By Paul Williams III.

Mickey and Eva Hudson with Summer Jones and Matt Hudson. All Photos By Paul Williams III.

The theme of Chef's Best, a fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, was "91" because it takes $91 for Second Harvest to provide one person living in poverty a daily meal for a year. Tickets to the benefit were $91 as were the cost of tickets for the amazing raffle prize - dinner for two at 52 of Charlotte's best restaurants. 

DJ Stephen, Second Harvest CEO Kay Carter and Jeannine Dodson.

DJ Stephen, Second Harvest CEO Kay Carter and Jeannine Dodson.

Held in the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center, guests enjoyed a reception featuring appetizers prepared by Stephen Schmitt, executive chef of WP Kitchen + Bar, and The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute Of Charlotte. During the reception the band Bentley performed and Second Harvest's CEO Kay Carter mingled with guests. 

Chef Rocco Whalen and Sommelier Todd Walters. 

Chef Rocco Whalen and Sommelier Todd Walters. 

The sit-down dinner featured a menu created by celebrity Chef Rocco Whalen, owner of Fahrenheit restaurant. He appeared on stage during each course with sommelier Todd Walters. Whalen demonstrated how to prepare each dish and Walters described the wine that was chosen to pair with the meal. 

Emcee Maureen O'Boyle. 

Emcee Maureen O'Boyle. 

The emcee was WBTV anchor Maureen O'Boyle. The hilarious Jon Wilson of  WCCB TV was the auctioneer for the live auction and raffle prize giveaway. To learn more about how you can help end hunger, go to www.secondharvestmetrolina.org.

Auctioneer Jon Wilson, in his best tuxedo shirt, kept guests laughing. 

Auctioneer Jon Wilson, in his best tuxedo shirt, kept guests laughing. 

Maureen Catnese, Susie Martier, Lynn Adams and Joyce Pischel. 

Maureen Catnese, Susie Martier, Lynn Adams and Joyce Pischel. 

Chris Mapes and Michael Haun. 

Chris Mapes and Michael Haun. 

Charissa and Matt Hoerner. 

Charissa and Matt Hoerner. 

Danna Robinson of Harris Teeter, the fundraiser's presenting sponsor. 

Danna Robinson of Harris Teeter, the fundraiser's presenting sponsor. 

The Jacksons. 

The Jacksons.