Author: Christina Williams

Salisbury, MD; March 18, 2025 – On March 8, 2025, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County held their 14^th annual Chefs for Habitat gala at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. With the support of sponsors, donors, chefs, celebrity fundraisers, and 500 guests, the event raised a total of $120,000 towards safe, decent affordable housing.

Throughout the winter, local community leaders dubbed “Celebrity Fundraisers” launched personal giving campaigns, raising a total of $46,430 for Habitat. The Celebrity fundraising champion Gavin Stephens of HALO raised $9,900 through his campaign. In addition, the celebrities accepted the challenge of refurbishing an item selected from the Habitat ReStore Thrift Shop and presenting it for auction at Chefs for Habitat. During the gala, attendees were able to vote on their favorite piece. The crowd favorite, Dr. Deborah Casey of Wor-Wic Community College, recruited her students to help her create a bench out of a vintage wooden bed. Jesus Cruz with The Insurance market, had the highest bid-upon item with his wine bar reimagined from a storage desk.

The night was filled with sumptuous plates and delicious treats prepared by 22 local chefs. Donating their time and talent to the event were: Al Chandler (Dinner Express Catering), Allison Porter and Brad Mogan (Mogan’s Oyster House), Cheyenne Simpler (The Groove), Christie McDowell (Belle Grove Tea Co.), Darlene Davis (Amazing Lee), DaRon Fosque and Tyres Parsons (JoJo’s Family restaurant), David and Barbara Wharton (Cakes by David), Frank Morgan and Mel Gunderson (Mayabella’s Pizza), India Thomas (Thomas Family Catering), Jason Myers (Roadie Joe’s), Jenna Howard (EVO), Jim and Kaden Washington (Washington’s Catering), Joshua Parks and Ross Marvel (Playa Bowls), Katerra Dettbarn (Sweet Addiction), Kim Timmons (Flamingo Road Cookie Company), Pat Williams (Salisbury Pit and Pub), Shaina Daly and Heather Hall (The Ugly Pie), Tashana Phillips (De’Carla’s Treats), Teera Koiprasert (Teera Thai Cuisine), TJ Ownby (Mad Hatter Café), Tosha Bateman (B&J’s Soulful Creations), and Troy Conway (Faithful Food Concepts).

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County extends a heartfelt thank you to its Platinum Gala Chef Sponsors, Bordeleau Vineyard and Winery, Precision Exteriors, and Chaney Cares. HFHWC also thanks Honorary Chairs Rob and Christina Fuller, the celebrity fundraisers, gala chefs, donors, sponsors, volunteers and gala attendees.

Proceeds from this event go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County to support affordable homeownership and critical home repairs/aging in place programs in Wicomico and Somerset counties.

About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County

Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has served 92 families with affordable homeownership and 152 families with critical home repairs. For more information, visit www.wicomicohabitat.org.

Salisbury, MD;  February 10,  2025  – Honorary Chairs Rob Fuller of Chaney Enterprises and Christina Fuller of First Shore Federal Savings & Loan invite guests to attend theHabitat for Humanity of Wicomico County 14^th annual Chefs for Habitat Gourmet Gala. Occurring on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, 27 of the area’s best chefs will create signature small plates for gala guests. Music, dancing, a silent auction, and a Chefs Celebrity competition will round out this food and fun filled Kentucky Derby themed evening. HFHWC thanks its Pan Seared Platinum gala chef sponsors, Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery, Chaney Cares, and Precision Exteriors, and Tablescape Titanium centerpiece sponsors, Seagull Disposal and Wor-Wic Community College for their generous support of the gala.

Proceeds from this event go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County to support affordable homeownership and critical home repairs/aging in place programs in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. Tickets are on sale now at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center box office at wicomicociviccenter.org/tickets. To preview the auction or buy a Golden Ticket Raffle chance for a dream sports getaway, visit chefsforhabitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County

Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has served 91 families with affordable homeownership.

SALISBURY, MD – The Chefs for Habitat Gourmet Gala returns to the Wicomico Civic Center on Feb. 18, and this year, it’s bigger and better.

Tickets are on sale now for the 12th annual fundraiser, which will be celebrating Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County’s 35th anniversary. The gala starts at 6:30 p.m.; dress is semiformal and the color jade is encouraged to celebrate the nonprofit’s anniversary.

At the event, local chefs prepare signature samplings for guests. Other highlights include music; dancing; a silent auction featuring unique catered dinners contributed by gala chefs; and a live, on-stage competition by celebrity fundraisers.

“So many wonderful people come to Chefs for Habitat to support the dream of affordable homeownership while enjoying amazing small plates contributed by our local chefs,” said Christina Williams, director of development at Wicomico Habitat. “It is truly a night of generosity, community spirit, and of course, fun.”

Individual tickets are on sale at WicomicoCivicCenter.org, by phone at 410-548-4911 and at the Wicomico Civic Center box office, 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.).

Sponsorship packages are for sale at ChefsForHabitat.org. VIP sponsorship packages include an early entry reception with musical entertainment, light appetizers, a champagne toast and auction preview.

About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County:

Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has built and sold 72 homes locally. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments come back to the affiliate to help build more homes for more families.

Photo: 2022 Chefs for Habitat event. The 2023 event is set for Feb. 18 at the Wicomico Civic Center.

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County will be holding its 11th Chefs for Habitat gourmet gala on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Wicomico Civic Center.

Voted Coastal Style’s “Best Of” charity event in 2020, this nonprofit gala raises money to build homes for low-income families in Wicomico County and advocate for safe and affordable homeownership. 

Salisbury Mayor Jake Day will be emceeing the event. The gala showcases local chefs preparing signature menu items for guests to enjoy.

A Celebrity Sous Chef competition, as well as live and silent auctions, will take place… (Continue reading)