Royal chef to serve as celebrity host for return of culinary fundraiser

After a three-year hiatus, a popular culinary fundraiser is ready to serve it up once again, only this time with a touch of royalty.

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s 18th annual Parade of Chefs will make its return Sept. 28 at The Armoury, featuring the theme A Royal Affair with Local Flair.

Celebrity host for this year’s event will be Chef Darren McGrady, who served as the personal chef for Queen Elizabeth II; Diana, Princess of Wales; and Princes William and Harry for 15 years.

“Our community has never seen an event like this before. We can’t wait to transform The Chatham Armory for one special night into the RBC Royal Palace, as we enjoy an exquisite evening of royal fun and exclusive experiences for all of our honored guests,” Karen Ewald, who chairs the Parade of Chefs planning committee, said in a release.

“In addition to celebrating an unforgettable evening, we can’t wait to raise funds to help our local hospital provide high-quality healthcare to patients from across Chatham-Kent, because we all know how important that is.”

McGrady will curate the menu for the evening’s four-course dining experience. He will also share first-hand insights about his time with the royal family, along with personal anecdotes.

Local physicians will serve as royal butler wine servers, with food prepared by a variety of local chefs. Local wine and spirits will be available.

“We are so excited to bring the royal treatment to our honored guests with the return of our 18th annual Parade of Chefs, presented by Precise ParkLink,” Mary Lou Crowley, foundation president and CEO, said. “Purchase your tickets starting on March 27 to enjoy an evening of elegance with a distinct flavor that you’ll only find right here in Chatham-Kent.”

Event proceeds will support the purchase of an Ortho Vision swift analyzer for the laboratory transfusion medicine department.

Lori Marshall, hospital president and CEO, said transfusion medicine services are “crucial to so many departments,” including the emergency department, operating room and oncology/cancer clinic.

“The purchase of this Ortho Vision swift analyzer will ensure that CKHA’s laboratory has the state-of-the-art equipment necessary to prepare for patient transfusions as efficiently as possible, and we are delighted to have our community support the purchase of this equipment though the exciting return of Parade of Chefs,” she said.

Event partners include Precise ParkLink, which returns as presenting sponsor; RBC Royal Bank, the event’s royal palace sponsor; TD Canada Trust, the event’s celebrity host sponsor; and Apollo Property Management & Development, His Majesty’s VIP sponsor.

Tickets are $225 per guest and can be purchased online by visiting www.CKHAF.ca, over the phone by calling 519-436-2538, or in person at the foundation office at 9 Ursuline Ave. in Chatham. However, capacity is limited.