AROUND TOWN: DJs team with chefs for cooking contest

Radio personalities known for their pranks and crazy antics were turned loose with sharp chefs knives - and everyone survived.

It was all for fun and charity as they competed in the 14th annual Restaurant Expo and Culinary Competition earlier this month at The Broadmoor hotel.

On-air radio teams chopped and minced and pulverized - and even did a little knife juggling, yelling "oh-pah" and dancing for the crowd - as some of the area's bravest chefs worked in close proximity to whip up award-winning dishes.

Meanwhile, the 850 people visiting the expo went from booth to booth tasting samples from more than 40 restaurants and learning about wines and beer.

Money raised went to Penrose St. Francis Health Foundation and Colorado ProStart, a two-year food service and hospitality management curriculum for high school juniors and seniors sponsored by Colorado Restaurant Association and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association.

At the end of the craziness and judging by food professionals, Culinary Competition prizes went to:

Best of Show: KVUU ("My 99.9"), Karson with a K - the knife juggler - and D.J. Ammonic, chef Jeremy Engle, Jake & Telly's; People's Choice: KRXP ("103.9 RXP"), Greg Applebee, Aaron Zytle and Wendy Campbell, chef Chris May, McCabe's; Best Overall Presentation: KVOR AM, Wendy LaBree and Allison Golden, chef Scott Coulter, Phantom Canyon; Best Taste: KKPK ("The Peak"), Tammy Oakland, Joe Cicero and Woody Powers, chef Matt Richardson, Cheyenne Mountain Country Club; Best Use of Ingredients: KDZA FM ("Jet 107.9"), Rich Stevens and Joe Lanier, chef Brother Luck, Cheyenne Mountain Resort; Most Original Dishes: KCCY ("Y96.9"), Willie and Val, chef Pete Moreno, MacKenzie's Chop House; Best Dressed Team: KKLI ("KLite"), Captain Dan and Paul; Most Engaging Team: KATC ("Cat Country"), Alisha Scott, Bryan Waters and Jim West, chef Eric Scheffer, Rock Bottom Brewery. You'll spot many of them and the restaurant purveyors in the online photo gallery: gazette.com/photo.

Bus has new duties

For several years a 10-passenger minibus transported senior citizens to the senior center, to grocery shopping and medical appointments.

Now, it is serving children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.

Silver Key Senior Services transferred ownership of the 2001 Ford to Special Kids Special Families, which had one bus that could accommodate two wheelchairs.

The minibus carries 10 passengers, has a lift and places for three wheelchairs.

Special Kids Special Families has programs for children and youth through Zach's Place and for adults with disabilities through the ICAN Program.

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Send information about nonprofit events and fundraisers to linda.navarro@gazette.com or mail to Linda Navarro, P.O. Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901.

SAVE THE DATES

Vaudeville-style benefit show to benefit Victoria Gracier and her family, 7:30 p.m. Friday, the new Falcon High School, 10255 Lambert Road, $10, acts include Babette, Uncle Ron's Accordion Band, John Swayne and more.

Assistance League Treasures and Collectables Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., April 3-4, 406 S. Nevada Ave.

2009 MS Lifelines Walk to benefit the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1.5- or three-mile loops, or virtual walk option, May 9, Monument Valley Park, walkMScolorado.org.

Online > In depth

• For more photos from Nonprofits Around Town: gazette.com/photo