Empty Vessel Ministry thanks sponsors, volunteers

More families on Saipan will be receiving assistance this holiday season with funds raised from the Empty Vessel Ministry’s recently concluded 3rd Annual Saipan’s Next Top Chef Competition. The annual charity event was held Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation founder Rose Smith expressed her appreciation to the competition’s major sponsors: Delta Air Lines, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises, and PIC Saipan.

“The 3rd Annual Saipan’s Next Top Chef Competition was made possible by the support from the local businesses and community. We are so grateful for their generosity which will help provide assistance to needy families, especially for women and children,” she said.

Other businesses that contributed in-kind and other donations to the competition were Hyatt Regency Saipan, Kanoa Resort, I Love Saipan, Bridge Capital, AA Enterprises/ Mobil Tanapag, McDonald’s, Nana Creations, Marianas Resort & Spa, Coca Cola Beverages, Wushin Corp., Spicy Thai Noodle Place, IT&E, Saipan Tribune, Marianas Variety, Saipan Super Saver, Herman’s Modern Bakery, and Pacific Trading Co.

Smith congratulated all five who took part in the cooking competition, which was won by Rhea Backe, a homemaker with 15 years of cooking experience who wowed the judges with her “Steak Portobello with Orange Marmalade.”

Other contenders were Alfredo Capacio of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Keim Eina of Hyatt Regency Saipan (runner-up), Marvin Bisalen of Pacific Islands Club, and Richard Meimban of Marians Resort & Spa Saipan (second runner-up).

Smith also thanked Nola Hix, the competition’s judges, and past winners of the fundraising event: Emmanuel Pancha from Marianas Resort (2012) and Melquiades De Ramos from Fiesta Resort & Spa (2011).

“We sincerely appreciate the participation Nola Hix of Xerox who was the emcee and did a terrific job. A big thank you to our distinguished judges ‘The Food Guy from Guam’ Ken Steward, director of Medical Affairs at CHC Dr. Sherleen Osman, and Attorney General Joey P. San Nicolas. Many thanks also to our tabulators from MIFICPA (Marianas Institute of CPAs and Accountants)”

Kagman High School culinary students assisted the competing chefs at the event.

Empty Vessel is a 501(c)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductible. Visit the Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation on its Facebook page, or the website at www.emptyvesselministry.org. [B][I](Saipan Tribune)[/I][/B]