Literacy nonprofit Heart of America hosted its
sixth Sweet Charity event in four years, helping 600 attendees get their sugar
fix while raising $70,000. Held in the Mandarin Oriental hotel on April 16, the
event brought out 50 D.C. chefs, including two Food Network stars, to showcase their wares. For Heart of America director of special
projects Michelle Mobley, the biggest challenge was managing the needs of all
those cooks. “You’re not dealing with one caterer,” she said. “You’re dealing
with 50 chefs; 36 of them are doing tables and the rest are dressing models.”
Warren Brown, owner of D.C.’s ever-expanding CakeLove and host of the Food Network’s Sugar Rush, signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, while Duff Goldman, owner of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, filmed an episode of his show, Ace of Cakes. Food stations in the ballroom and in the adjoining hallway served guests until 8 p.m., when everyone gathered in the ballroom for remarks from Heart of America cofounders Bill and Angie Halamandaris and a runway show of chocolate- and sugar-embellished garments.
Warren Brown, owner of D.C.’s ever-expanding CakeLove and host of the Food Network’s Sugar Rush, signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, while Duff Goldman, owner of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, filmed an episode of his show, Ace of Cakes. Food stations in the ballroom and in the adjoining hallway served guests until 8 p.m., when everyone gathered in the ballroom for remarks from Heart of America cofounders Bill and Angie Halamandaris and a runway show of chocolate- and sugar-embellished garments.
Celebrity chef Duff Goldman walked the runway with a model.
Photo: BizBash
The chefs showed off their culinary talents,including delicate chocolate and sugar sculptures.
Photo: BizBash
Neutral-toned tables contrasted with the brightly lit, raised runway and complemented the chocolate theme.
Photo: BizBash
Celebrity chef Duff Goldman walked the runwaywith a model wearing his sweet creation.
Photo: BizBash
An ice sculpture served as the backdrop for a silent-auction table. With all the decor, lighting, and food as well as the event space donated by the vendors, every dollar raised went directly to Heart of America.
Photo: BizBash
Hot pink, orange, and purple lighting, cream-colored drapes, a fog machine, and techno music created a high-energy atmosphere.
Photo: BizBash
