The Big Teplitzky Fundraiser

4/7/2011

http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/news-and-views/whitneys-radar/The-Big-Teplitzky-Fundraiser-119329139.html

HOLY FOOD! WOW, THE ATLANTIC Cape Community College Restaurant Gala (March 31) was bangin’! More than 35 of the area’s finest restaurants provided samples of their unique specialties. And boy, my eyes were certainly bigger than my stomach.

First there was a cocktail reception with a dazzling array of hors d’oeuvres and intricate ice carvings (see photos at acweekly.com). And, of course, the company wasn’t too shabby either. Everyone from dignitaries, to casino executives, to community leaders, to people who just love quality food attended this fundraising event for the school.

After mixing and mingling, it was time for the main feature of the evening — the two ballrooms filled with food booths galore. It was slightly overwhelming, but oh so worth it. Being able to sample food from Manna, The Palm, Girasole, Buddakan, the Smithville Inn and so many other fine dining establishments all in one night was absolutely amazing, but it made pacing myself so hard.

However, I knew I couldn’t go into a food coma just yet because dessert was awaiting me. And if there is one thing I love most it’s quality, homemade dessert.

The dessert extravaganza put on by the college’s culinary students was simply phenomenal. There was so much to choose from, I wish I had a to-go box.

Honestly, if there was anything I would do different it would be to give smaller samples of the cakes and cupcakes so that way nothing would go to waste, and we could try even more without feeling guilty!

Bottom line — the ACCC Restaurant Gala celebrated its 28th year and it was an extraordinary time had by all, not to mention all the money raised for ACCC student scholarships.

This Saturday afternoon, April 9, Teplitzky’s at The Chelsea has a 1pm fundraiser with Atlantic City firefighters attempting to tackle “The Big Teplitzky,” a monumental breakfast plate, to benefit 10-month-old Zoe Horton Palermo and Tom McMeekin Sr.

Shaine Horton, the daughter of retired A.C. fire captain Sam Horton, was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer while pregnant with Zoe, and since her birth medical bills have been piling up for the young family. Tom McMeekin Sr. is an A.C. fire department veteran who was forced to retire in 1996 after being paralyzed in a car accident. His son, A.C. police officer Thomas McMeekin Jr., died in the line of duty in 2005.

As part of the fundraiser, local firefighters are challenged to eat the mega-breakfast dubbed “The Big Teplitzky,” and the first firefighter to finish this four-pound dish (consisting of pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, pork roll, hash browns, grilled tomato, toast and a bagel) will receive an overnight stay at The Chelsea hotel and dinner for two at the Chelsea’s Supper Club.

If you would like to attend and support this great cause, tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at the A.C. Firefighters Union, or make a $10 donation at the door. Click here for more info.

Just for attending you will enjoy free appetizers and specially priced Bloody Marys, mimosas and beer.

Lately there have been many fundraising events in the area, many of them including food. No matter which you choose to take part in, just know that coming together as a community to help people in need is what’s important. And knowing that we have the ability to support one another, whether it’s monetarily or volunteering our time, is very reassuring.

So even if you aren’t personally connected to a benefit recipient, why not grab a friend and attend one anyway? You never know how that one gesture could impact someone’s life — plus you may find a new cause to be a cheerleader for.

I’ll leave you with this quote by Orison Marden: “The best thing about giving of ourselves is that what we get is always better than what we give. The reaction is greater than the action.”

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The Big Teplitzky Fundraiser

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Whitney Ullman

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