Fort Wayne, Ind. — Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana’s annual Culinary Queens and Kings fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5, shattered previous records by bringing in more than $500,000 to support essential services for people with disabilities.
“This community has completely blown me away with its generosity,” said Donna K. Elbrecht, CEO of Easterseals Arc. “We could never even have dreamed of this level of support! Individuals, businesses and foundations have all contributed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live their best lives.”
The total includes event sponsorships, individual donations, ticket and table sales, and tips to Queens and Kings in advance and at the event.
Old National Bank, which originated the event in 2018, was the presenting sponsor. Diamond sponsors were Fort Wayne Elks Lodge #155, Precision Color Compounds, Communicare and Steuben County Community Foundation.
Lead donors included Richard “Dick” and Lisa Teets; Steuben County Community Foundation – Katie Oberlin Memorial Fund, RISE and SHINE Fund, RISE Legacy Fund, Angola Lions Club Legacy Fund, Bobby Ernst Fund and Martha Rogers Fund; Lichelle Boyd and Shea Hutchinson; Faegre Drinker Foundation; Nancy Jenkins; and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne – Kathy Callen and John Powell Fund.
All funds raised through Culinary Queens and Kings will help Easterseals Arc provide programs and services for people with disabilities that enrich education, enhance health, expand employment and elevate community throughout northeast Indiana.
About 65 teams of volunteers participated as Culinary Queens and Kings, providing samples of their favorite dishes to guests as they competed for tips. At the end of the evening, the Top Fundraiser crowns went to Brad Hess and Karin Klinedinst in first place; Brittany Grabner and Ellen Vance in second place; and Kobe Lootens and Jacky Alvarado in third place.
Guests also voted for their favorites in three categories: Amanda Quick’s pasta salad was named Best Savory; Charlotte Beiswanger, Aubrey Lawrence and Ella Cheezum were awarded Best Sweet for their pumpkin pie cheesecake dessert shooters; and Christy Torres took Best Costume or Theme for dressing as Muppet character the Swedish Chef.
The participating Culinary Queens and Kings voted on the People’s Choice Award, which went to Julie Elbrecht and Cori Fort for their filet-a-tini.