16th Annual Dessert First moves to Cleveland

Prepare to impress your taste buds with delectable Girl Scout Cookie inspired desserts created by our area's most talented chefs! 

The 16th annual Dessert First gala will kick off the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on October 22, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.   This venue will better accommodate the growth the event has experienced over the past four years under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D.

"As we celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting, we look forward with anticipation to the powerful energy that today's Girl Scouts will bring to leadership in Northeast Ohio," said Alford-Smith.  "Dessert First is one of the many ways corporations, foundations, community partners, and individuals support our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place."

Cookies certainly appeal to the child in each of us, and for one night you can experience a grown-up version of what we loved as children.  Guests will be able to sample the desserts before enjoying a sit-down dinner with the ambiance of the Great Lakes Science Center.  This year's emcee is Girl Scout alum and WEWS Channel 5 anchorwoman Lee Jordan.  The evening includes a live auction, a raffle with the opportunity to win a Disney vacation package, and entertainment.

In the spirit of friendly competition, desserts will be evaluated on presentation, creativity and taste by a panel of celebrity judges:

Nancy Alden, WDOK 102.1 FM  
Harry Boomer, WOIO Channel 19
Georgina Carson, Akron Life magazine 
Joe Crea, The Plain Dealer  
Christi Nichols, WONE 97.5 FM  
Deborah Hanson, ClevelandWomen.com
Stan Piatt, WNIR 100 FM

The event is attended by members of the corporate community and media, as well as individuals who enjoy great food, entertainment and share a commitment to Girl Scouting throughout GSNEO's 18-county region.  Reservations are available for $150.  Proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.  Please call Mindy at 330.983.0127/800.852.4474 or email mfeigenbaum@gsneo.org to make your reservation.

Participating chefs include:

    
Akron City Women’s Club     Jonathon Matousek

Bricco-Cleveland & Akron    Chase Phillips  

Dante Restaurant     Dante Boccuzzi

Edgar’s Restaurant     Cara Smith

Moxie and Red      Kara Swortchek

Paladar Latin Kitchen     Michael Slater & Ryan Kaston

Portage Country Club     Brad Gambrell 

PURA Vida by Brandt     Brandt Evans 

Taste of Fine Dining Featuring Twisted Treats      Tanya Lundy & Jennifer Bogart

X O Prime Steaks & Seafood Restaurant       William Hurt   

Zanzibar Soul Fusion Restaurant        Tony Fortner   

Zinc Bistro      Jeff Stanton II