I’m so excited to share this wonderful event I attended. The Scalpel vs. Spatula Benefit Celebrity Chef Competition was held in Atlanta, and attendees were give the chance to dine for a good cause. Proceeds from the event support disadvantaged youth who have severe deformities due to life-changing trauma. These children receive complimentary reconstructive plastic surgery in order to remove those harsh reminders of the difficulties they have overcome in their young lives.
Founded by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Wright Jones, the event featured an array of celebrity chefs such as Keisha Knight Pulliam, Angela Simmons, and Lenny S. Of course, I looked forward to checking out the culinary skills of these stars. But first, I took a moment to chat with Dr. Wright about his foundation and this incredible cause.
The Surgeon’s Touch is Dr. Wright’s organization that provides these surgeries and receives the benefits of the Scalpel vs. Spatula event. As someone who personally experienced the struggle of needing help but not being able to get it, Dr. Jones made it his mission to give back to less fortunate children and the communities in which they reside. His parents also instilled in him the values that pushed him to want to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Children ages 7-21 are eligible for assistance, and they must complete community service as part of the program. It’s touching to know that not only is Dr. Jones helping others, but those who receive the help are also keeping the cycle of giving going by also helping others. There are also other factors that Dr. Jones and the board members use to determine who can benefit from this program. They must come from a low-income family. The child must have a significant deformity. And as Dr. Jones shared, “We want a worthwhile, impactful community service project.”
As for why he chose Scalpel vs. Spatula as the signature fundraising event for The Surgeon’s Touch, Dr. Jones shared, “I just wanted to do something I knew I could win!” Well-played, if I do say so myself. But of course, the true reason is to raise funds so that the families of the children who receive surgical treatment don’t have to pay a dime out-of-pocket. All of the celebrity chefs willingly volunteered on their own to participate, which is amazing. And their names alone would garner plenty of attention for this worthy cause.
If you’d like to get involved and want to make a difference as well, click here for more information.
Ok, back to more deets about the event. Sponsors included Lexus and Luc Belaire. The Lexus LC 500 is what dreams are made of…
Monyetta Shaw was the host of the event (Hey Soror!) And attendees even got to hear from one of the young people who received surgery thanks to The Surgeon’s Touch. She read a moving poem about the tragedy that affected her both physically and mentally, but also shared that she is much stronger than she has ever been.
The celebrity chefs prepared the following delectable dishes: Dr. Jones served Saulsbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes. Keisha Knight Pulliam whipped up Fried Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Angela Simmons made a very yummy vegan breakfast. And The Dream (who had to leave early) presented a dreamy Peach Cobbler. I totally ignored my diet all evening.
And the winner is…Keisha Knight Pulliam! You can’t go wrong with fried chicken and mac & cheese in the dirty south.
Although I believe the true winners are the children and families who will get a new outlook on life thanks to Dr. Jones and The Surgeon’s Touch. I can’t wait for next year’s competition!
