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Gourmet Meal more than just Good Food

September 2008

When Yellow Cab owner Alan Kesten won the silent auction bid for a home-cooked meal at the Sullivan County Boys & Girls Club’s Annual Fundraising Dinner Dance, he didn’t realize that he was in for such a treat. What he won was an extravagant, gourmet, 7-course Greek dinner personally cooked by Monticello Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel and Fallsburg Schools Superintendent Ivan Katz.

The “Super Chefs” teamed-up and created the gift for the auction not realizing that it was going to be so sought after. When the bid sheets were unveiled, it seemed that a bidding war had been taking place to get the administrative duo into the kitchen. It was Kesten’s final bid of $675 that won him the honor.

Michel and Katz paid for and prepared the meal which included sautéed lamb, spinach pie, fresh baked breads and Greek specialty dips. The superintendents were joined by Fallsburg Business Manager Dan Grecco, who served the food to Kesten and his seven dinner guests. As a special treat, the diners were serenaded by Katz who is a classically trained opera singer.

“The Boys & Girls Club supplies an amazing program for our students,” said Michel. “They do so much for our community; this is just a small way we could give something back.”

“Everything we did and everything we cooked – it’s all for the benefit of the kids,” said Katz. “Great results happen only with great efforts.”

“It’s nice to see people on all levels rolling up their sleeves and not afraid to get their hands dirty for a good cause,” said Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Bill Fioravanti. He should personally know - he was the designated dishwasher for the evening’s event.

When all was said and done, it was a good-hearted fun-filled evening with delicious food. As for next year, the Super Chefs are planning the menu already. According to Michel, if the winning bid hits $1,000, it’s definitely going to be a pig roast.

All the money raised through the silent auction went directly to support the Boys & Girls Club’s after-school programs in the Monticello and Fallsburg School Districts.

Sullivan County Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girl’s Club’s after-school program for Monticello School District middle and high school students, ages 12-18, has expanded its hours to 7 p.m. The program is free (besides a $10 registration fee) and offers activities such as homework help, life skills, leadership, art, music and open gym. This year, the Club plans to add teen dances and more special events for its members and the community. For more information or to register, please call Sullivan County Unit Director Nora Drummond at 794-3080.

Photos:
From left, Monticello Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel, Fallsburg Superintendent of Schools Ivan Katz, Fallsburg Business Manager Dan Grecco and Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Bill Fioravanti prepare for the meal in Alan Kesten’s kitchen.

Alan Kesten is flanked by Boys & Girls Club members at a recent visit to Monticello’s after-school program. Also pictured is Sullivan County Unit Director Nora Drummond.