Tucker Named CCS Cook-off Winner
Tucker of Maple Leaf Farms, Milford; Dane Miller of Biomet, Warsaw; and Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer squared off behind the grills to raise money for CCS programs. Thallemer prepared quesadillas from grilled chicken, Miller slaved over slabs of ribs seasoned with his own special rub and barbecue sauce blend, and Tucker prepared barbecued duck legs. For monetary votes, those in attendance voted for their favorite chef.
CCS board member Dana Leon introduced Miller to do the honors of announcing the cook-off winner. When he took the microphone he said with the spirit of a winner, “Well, I was told I got to do this only if I didn’t win. I think this makes it pretty clear.”
In accepting his spatula Tucker joked, “This proves duck farmers can cook.” He also acknowledged his competition saying all of the dishes were great and praised CCS adding, “This a cause everyone should get behind.”
Leon said the cook-off alone raised over $1,000 for CCS.
Over 170 people prepaid to attend the fundraiser and many more came as last-minute guests. Everyone enjoyed a meal prepared by Noa Noa, kept local vendors like The Downtown busy at a cash bar, graciously purchased tickets for chances to win prizes donated by local businesses, bid on silent auction items and enjoyed musical entertainment provided by The Sock Monkeys.
The big auction item for the night was a week’s vacation in Marco Island, Fla., at Dane and Mary Louise Miller’s home. Three couples will share the trip, which also includes a cruise on Miller’s luxury yacht, dinner at a prestigious yacht club, two bottles of wine and use of the Millers two electric cars. The vacation package bidding started at $5,000 and was won by former Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins with a final bid of $5,200.
Final tallies of the funds raised for CCS were not yet available.