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Who wants to be Saipan’s Next Top Chef?
Chef Melquiades De Ramos, 2011 Saipan Next Top Chef winner, is assisted by a Kagman High School culinary student in this file photo. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Attention all chefs and amateurs! Do you love to cook? Are you ready to show off your culinary skills and help a worthy cause? If so, then sign up for this exciting challenge. You may see your name as the title holder of the “2016 Saipan’s Next Top Chef Competition!”
Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation announces the fourth annual fundraiser, scheduled for Sept. 24, 2016 from 2pm to 4pm. The venue will be announced at a later date, contingent upon the number of participants. Thank you to the sponsors and supporters who have assisted each year in making our signature event fundraiser a success.
Diana Benavente, a volunteer of EVM, expressed that the funds raised from the event provides needed school supplies to children on Saipan and also provides some basic necessities for families in need. Since 2011, when the Saipan Next Top Chef Competition was first launched, 1,700 children have benefited from this back-to-school program. The 2013 proceeds provided the Saipan Aging Center with brand new toilets.
“Our organization also sponsors children in Kenya and the Philippines with education tuition for orphans and street children,” Benavente said.
The 2011 Saipan’s Top Chef winner, chef Melquiades De Ramos, said “The best part about winning is knowing that I was a part of an event that raised money to help desperate families, especially children and women.” De Ramos added. “I encourage all chefs to join the competition and help this wonderful charity.”
In the recent disaster of typhoon Soudelor, EVM was able to assist more than 6,000 individuals by providing basic needs. This was made possible through the generous donations of local supporters/organizations/businesses and off-island groups like Aloha for Saipan. Northwest Pacific Operation, Sons of Saipan, and the residents of Guam and Rota.
Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 chefs garnering points from a panel of judges. Space is limited so EVM encourages you to apply now. For those who are interested in competing, please contact the organizers, Diana Benavente and Rose Smith 235-2340 or 4830162 or email emptyvesselministry@gmail.com.
