Feast Helps Fight Kidney Disease

The event: The 15th annual “Great Chefs of Orange County” benefit for the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California. The afternoon soiree at the Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach offered 600 guests the opportunity to sample the signature dishes of chefs from more than 20 Orange County restaurants.

Tempting tidbits: Mouthwatering aromas whetted guests’ appetites as they lined up to savor both the flavorful food and the chefs’ artful presentations. From spicy gazpacho served in martini glasses to oysters on the half shell presented on a tray of polished stones, the dishes drew raves from guests such as Michele Garamoni.

“It’s all so eye-appealing; we never decorate [plates] like this at home,” she said.

“Orange County has such a wealth of great culinary talent,” observed benefit committee member Tracy Gohl. “That makes it easy for us to run a successful event.”

Between courses, guests were entertained by an acoustic guitarist and had their fortunes told.

Patient support: The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California offers free services for dialysis patients and their families, including medical referrals, a camp program for children and emergency financial assistance.

Quote: “It’s not as high profile as pediatric AIDS or cancer, but kidney disease touches a lot of people,” board member Norm Rosenberg said. “That’s the reason I’m here.”

Rosenberg’s wife, Debra, is in the early stages of polycystic kidney disease, which is hereditary. “She has about 10 years before she goes on dialysis. So, we travel a lot now,” he said.

Bottom line: The event netted about $100,000 for the foundation. Proceeds will go toward kidney disease research and education programs in Orange County.

What’s ahead: In February, the foundation will offer a Kidney Early Evaluation Program for people in Orange County who are at risk for kidney disease. For more information, (800) 747-5572.