Celeb Chefs, Foodies Help Bring Children out of Dark Ages with 4th Annual Chefs' Showcase

CLEARWATER, Fla. - May 9, 2016 - PRLog -- The Dark Ages did not end with the rise of the Italian Renaissance. Children and families in our community suffer their own 'dark ages' every day: a mother at her wit's end, as she has no way to get Christmas presents for her children...a child going hungry over the weekend because there is no food at home...a father who shares his daughter's dream to participate in sports - despite a debilitating birth defect. But reaching out to help area families, thus creating a renaissance for the future is a team of celebrity Chefs and the Clearwater Community Volunteers at the 4^th Annual Chefs' Showcase at the Fort Harrison on June 19^th at 5:30pm.

         The Chefs, under the direction of Executive Chef Zoltan Vajna, will prepare a five-star, four course meal with wine pairings, inspired by the European Renaissance. The chefs are donating their time and talents for the dinner, which will raise funds for the Clearwater Community Volunteers, (CCV).

         CCV has donated food, money and food to charities such as the Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children of Tampa Bay, the Homeless Emergency Project and Nourish to Flourish.

         "We bring the light of hope to families in need," said Pam Ryan Anderson, the Executive Director of CCV. "The Chefs' Showcase is a great way for us to raise the money we need to continue with our mission."

         The participating chefs for the Showcase come from a diverse field:

·         Chef Michael Moench, the Dean of Keiser University's Center for Culinary Arts, and former chef for the Ritz Carlton

·         US Army Master Staff Sergeant Rene Marquis, who received national attention on the Food Network's 'Cutthroat Kitchen' - where he won the competition

·         Chef Sean Ragan, the Executive Chef of Caretta on the Gulf at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, a AAA Four-Diamond rated resort

·         Chef Bill Brown, owner and Chief Chocolatier of the award-winning William Dean Chocolates

         "The event is co-sponsored by Tampa Bay Magazine and has become a favorite event for area foodies," said Lisa Mansell, Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology. "Food vendors donate the food and the Chefs donate their time, so every dollar goes to the Clearwater Community Volunteers - who in turn use it to raise more funds for children's charities and to produce events that will help and delight area families."

         Known for their annual Winter Wonderland, Fashions with Flair Fashion Show and Coachman Park Easter Egg Hunt, Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) began as the Women's Auxiliary for the Church of Scientology. Since their founding, they have donated nearly $200,000 to charities that serve children, donated more than 50 tons of toys and have brought a beacon of hope to tens of thousands of area families.

         "Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard said that 'Bringing a child into the world today is a little bit like dropping one into a tiger's cage. Children can't handle their environment and they have no real resources. They need love and help to make it,'" said Pam Ryan Anderson, the Executive Director of CCV. "This is why I got involved with CCV - I have two beautiful girls of my own, but there are so many other children and families who need support and need a hand. I am so grateful that my team can extend that hand and that we have partners in the culinary field and here at the Fort Harrison to help us extend that reach further."

         The Fort Harrison is the International Religious retreat for the Church of Scientology, Flag Service Organization. The Church of Scientology makes the facility available for charitable groups for fundraisers, receptions and meetings. The Fort Harrison is located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater.

         The dinner is limited to 100 attendees. For information about tickets or the Fort Harrison, please contact Lisa Mansell at 727-467-6860. For more information about CCV, please go to www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org.

About the Fort Harrison:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home to many charitable events and community organizations. The Fort Harrison's current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 300 community events there since it's top to bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard and incorporated in 1954. It has since expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 167 nations.  To learn more, visit www.scientology.org (http://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=P_iGOEBw5d6icqc...)