OCEANSIDE–It was a “Sterling Affair” at the North County African American Women’s Association 23rd annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet cooking competition and scholarship fundraiser in Oceanside.
The October 19 gala attracted approximately 38 professional and amateur chefs who shared their culinary skills with over 200 diners at St. Margaret Parish. The chefs also competed for top prizes and trophies in categories from best appetizer to best dessert.
Diners stopped at each chef’s table to sample delicious entrees such as chicken and ribs, vegan dishes, peach cobbler, German chocolate cake, and grits.
Raye Clendening, co-founder and president of the North County African American Women’s Association said the gala is a scholarship fundraiser for North County students.
“They do this yearly in support of our scholarship fundraising efforts. We would not be able to provide the scholarship support to the students without their consistent participation donating food for this event,” Clendening wrote in her president’s message.
This year’s scholarship recipient was Meschelle Noble, a student serving her last year at Howard University’s School of Law. Noble was not able to attend the event. but sent her gratitude on pre-recorded video message to the group.
“I wouldn’t be able to make it through law school and start my legal career if it wasn’t for the North County African American Women’s Association,” Noble said in the video.”They have helped me financial several times over. And for that, I am forever be grateful to this organization.”
The event featured a silent auction of donated items such as vacation get always, photos and apparel. Proceeds from the auction benefit the scholarship program.
Award-winning harpist and San Diego native, Mariea Antoinette entertained diners with selections from classical to R&B and jazz.
North County African American Women’s Association provided over $200,000 in scholarship incentives from the Gentlemen’s Gourmet fundraiser. Their scholarship program was created to assist African American female students with higher education at a four-year college, community college, ROP or trade school. Graduate students enrolled in a degree program or certificate course of study are eligible to receive a scholarship.