Food for a cause: Fanshawe and medical foundation bring Chef Michael Smith to London

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: BETHANYSHOPE.ORG
Chef Michael Smith will be in London on April 24 and 25 for two special events, one including the Fanshawe Community.

In support of the Bethanys Hope Foundation, students and faculty from Fanshawe’s School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary arts are preparing for an exciting meet and greet on April 24 with Canada’s well-known chef and Food Network icon, Chef Michael Smith.

According to its website, the Foundation works to find answers and eliminate [Metachromatic] Leukodystrophy disease (MLD), an illness that affects cells and the nervous system, while the event is in support of MLD research.

Located at the downtown campus at 130 Dundas St., the event will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $75 at bethanyshope.org.

Chef Wade Fitzgerald of Fanshawe College and student volunteers from the culinary department will be contributing their efforts in creating this memorable evening.

There will be five food stations at the meet and greet including a cocktail bar and live musical performances featuring Fanshawe Music Industry Arts (MIA) student, Sarina Haggarty.

Guests will be able to see and talk to Smith who will be shucking fresh Prince Edward Island oysters at the oyster bar.

Bringing with him inspiration, not only to aspiring students, but to any whom feel a passion for food.

In an interview with Interrobang, Smith explained how inspiration is one of the keys in keeping the industry vivid.

“Cooking is an ever-evolving craft thus it is hard wired into our DNA as chefs to share secrets, pass along knowledge, inspire the next generation of cooks and keep our trade vibrant,” Smith said. “The very best cooks understand the social context of food, where it comes from and how it’s shared, not just how its cooked. Food has brought us together since time immortal, embracing that shared potential is just as important today as it’s ever been.”

Following this meet and greet is the Feast with Friends interactive charity dinner party on April 25, presented by the Bethanys Hope Foundation at the London Convention Centre.

Tickets are available in advance for $200 at bethanyshope.org.

All proceeds go toward Bethanys Hope Foundation research.

Lindey McIntyre, executive director of Bethanys Hope Foundation, expressed her gratitude during this time, awaiting clinical trials.

“Thanks to so many in this generous community we have been able to complete over 22 years of uninterrupted, world class, cutting edge [Metachromatic] Leukodystrophy research (MLD) right here in London,” McIntyre said. “This is such an exciting time for all of us as we collectively begin this final push to end this nightmare for the children and families of MLD.”

The evening will also bring light to an array of activities.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and will begin with a cocktail hour, guests will also be treated to a variety of amuse bouche and appetizers by highly talented local chefs.

In addition, Smith will again be hosting the very popular Prince Edward Island oyster bar and guests will have the opportunity to partake in the silent auction during this time, including the signature cocktail raffle and chance to win a one-year Jeep lease sponsored by London City Chrysler.

Dinner service and program will start at 7 p.m. featuring various speakers and live music.

The night will wrap up with a live auction fundraiser for the Bethanys Hope Foundation’s research.

For more information, or ticket inquiries, please contact Lindey McIntyre at lindey@nullbethanyshope.org or by calling Bethanys Hope Foundation at (519) 642-7589. Also, visit bethanyshope.org.