Over $100,000 raised to support local cancer patients

​Chef Shawn Calley, the Executive Chef of the Burlington Country Club, was named the Culinary Cup Champion for his smoked chicken stuffed with apples, goat cheese, and sage. This is the third win for Chef Calley. Chef Evan Leavy of the Jericho Cafe & Tavern won the People's Choice Award for his house smoked brisket with blackstrap molasses, apple relish, and cornbread crumble. Other chefs competing this year included: Chef Christian Kruse, Vergennes Laundry by CK; Chef Donnell Collins, Leunig's Bistro & Café; and Chef David Hoene, Pauline's Café.

For Calley, the mission is what is important. "I feel so fortunate to live in a community that supports and takes special care of people in need. I am honored and humbled to have been able to be involved with The Cancer Support Foundation for the past several years and love seeing many friendly faces year after year when I hand them a dish. More importantly, I feel privileged to be able to do my part, however small, in helping to make a difference with a foundation that has such a great impact to the folks that really need it."
 
This year the Culinary Classic Cup judging panel included celebrity chef Kevin Des Chenes of the Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay" and " The Great Food Truck Challenge". Chef Des Chenes explained why Chef Calley was named the Culinary Cup Champion, "though all 5 dishes were great, Chef Shawn's dish hit all the points we were looking for: texture, taste and an overall composition of the  dish. It was also very important that we picked up on all flavors and components in each chef's description of their dishes and Chef Shawn delivered."
 
More than $100,000 was raised to support local cancer patients and their families. Proceeds from the event benefited the Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF). Last year CPSF's Emergency Fund distributed over $223,000 to 649 local cancer patients throughout Vermont and Northern New York. To find out more about CPSF and how you can help go toCPSFVT.ORG. The Culinary Classic was presented by NorthCountry Federal Credit Union.
 
The Cancer Patient Support Foundation (CPSF) is an independent nonprofit organization which supports cancer patients and their families, in Vermont and Northern New York in a time of extraordinary need, by providing financial assistance, underwriting counseling services, and acting as a resource during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

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