photos by Timothy Hines
After judging this year’s Sweet Charity event I had a sugar high for a week but it was well worth it. I have to say my personal favorites were the Plum Tart with Goat Cheese & Walnut Thyme Streusel by Classic Fare Catering (yup, that’s a branch of Aramark… ) and the Truffles from The Brickside Grille (in particular the dark chocolate with fresh blueberries inside… heaven.) Of course, I’m always a huge fan of Cupcakes Gourmet and a taste of their summertime trio cupcakes is like a putting the sipping lemonade on the porch moment right in your mouth.
Below is the recap from the event.
In an encouraging demonstration of Chester County’s spirit of philanthropy, more than 425 guests attended the
March 31 Sweet Charity event. Set at Waterloo Gardens in Exton, chefs from a dozen restaurants created unique desserts and donated and served over 4000 portions to the guests. “It is encouraging to see the generosity of our community,” noted Karen Simmons, President and CEO of the Chester County Community Foundation. “Given the current economy, we are thrilled to have so many restaurants and guests share their resources.”
The evening culminated in a vote for the best desserts. Carlino’s Market, of West Chester, was named best dessert for the Sunset Cake: Honey-Rum Napoleon with Scarlet Orange Sauce & Macerated Spring Fruit made by Jessica Pachorkowsky-Perez, executive pastry chef.
A Plum Tart with Goat Cheese & Walnut Thyme Streusel by Classic Fare Catering was chosen as
Most Creative, and the popular choice, voted on by the guests, was a tie between A Collection of
Truffles by Brickside Grille and Jimmy Duffy & Sons Chocoa Yuna with Banana & Yuzu Cream
alongside Hazelnut Sponge Cake with Chocolate Mousse.
Five food connoisseurs served as judges. “It was a difficult choice,” according to Dee
Rogevich of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association. “All 12 desserts were unique and
delicious.” Mary Bigham of WCDish.com and CC Magazine, West Chester, PA, Amanda
Karwic of Food Solutions, Elverson, PA, Albert Lauber of Neuchatel Chocolates of Oxford, PA,
and Chef Liz Marden, the American Culinary Federation of Delaware Chef of the Year,
Hockessin, DE, also served on the panel of judges.
In its fifth year and growing in popularity each year, Sweet Charity features a unique
blend of aromas, tasting and giving. Event co-chairs Scott T. Hattersley of Westtown and
Michael B. Karwic, CFP, CRPC of Elverson, welcomed the guests along with Louis N. Teti,
Esq., Foundation Board Chair, and Karen Simmons, President and CEO of the Foundation.
Zelinda LeBoutellier of Waterloo Gardens in Exton, a passionate supporter of community
philanthropy, hosted the event. Guests included families with funds held in trust by the
Community Foundation, donors, students from Westtown School and Great Valley High School
Philanthropy clubs. Savory catering was provided by Gourmet Buffets by Anthony Aquilante.
The bounty of treats was set amid Waterloo Garden’s blooming flowers and dramatic
garden accessories. Other entries included Prime Chocolate by Brandywine Prime, Chadds Ford;
Orange Blossom Crème Brulee by Butterfish, West Chester; Summertime Trio by Cupcakes
Gourmet, Malvern; Tres Leche Cake with Caramel Panna Cotta & Smokehouse Sugar Meringue
by Northbrook MarketPlace, West Chester; Chocolate Crunch by Pond Restaurant, Radnor; and
Pistachio & Crystallized Ginger Truffle by Spence Café, West Chester
Sweet Charity is a “must-attend” benefit supporting an important cause. The Chester
County Community Foundation helps families and businesses become involved in charitable
giving for the long run, by encouraging legacy gifts and increasing awareness of the needs and
issues facing Chester County. The Community Foundation holds over 280 funds in trust, and
annually awards $1.5 million in grants and scholarships. The most popular type of philanthropic
vehicle, the endowed donor advised fund, allows families to start a fund which lasts for
perpetuity. Each year, the family recommends grants from a portion of the investment earnings,
so that charities will benefit now and forever. For additional details, visit www.chescocf.org or
phone (610) 696-8211.
