Girl Scout cookies are a tasty snack and a delectable dessert; both were on the menu at Dessert First, held at the Sheraton Suites on Saturday night. ''I love having my dessert first,'' said Madeline Bozzelli, who chaired the benefit for the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, assisted by co-chairwoman Andrea Wlaszyn.
Area chefs used Girl Scout cookies to prepare delicious desserts. Guests sampled them, then voted for their favorite. Chris and Michael Brauning and Shirley Leonard sampled Samoas Crumble Tiramisu, while Steve and Barb Strayer, Steve Schmidt and Rich Krochka tried the Dulce de Leche Pot de Creme. Angela Alford and Joe White enjoyed the Cappuccino Ice Cream and Samoas Cookie Pie, and Laura Liptak recommended Lockkeepers' Carmel Cheesecake.
Daisy Alford-Smith, president of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, thanked guests for their support, and announced Dessert First would be the signature event for Girl Scouts. She expected the event would raise over $50,000 to support the many Girl Scout programs available in the community.
Alford-Smith presented the Pacesetter Award to Louise Gissendaner and Fifth Third Bank.
Tom Hilt came from Louisville, Ky., to attend the event. His company, Little Brownie Bakers, makes Girl Scout cookies.
Also enjoying the event were Nan and Eric McClenaghan, Jackie Silas-Butler, Libert Bozzelli, Linda Nuosci, Patricia Gray, Joy Pogalies, Brittany Zaehringer, Ken Smith, Tracy Wood, Jenny LeBrun and Dona Cardone.
Judges Tommy Bruno, Jane Day and Cecelia Huffman-White had the delicious task of choosing the winning desserts. First place went to Piatto Novo; second was West Side Bakery; and third was Lockkeepers Inn. River Brasserie & Grille was chosen for the Chocolate Lover's Award; Bricco was the Best Incorporation of Cookie winner; the Olde Harbor Inn won Best Presentation; and Luxe Kitchen & Lounge had the Most Creative Dessert. The People's Choice Award went to Edgar's.
Nate Ray of Kiko Auctioneers conducted the live auction, where Leslie Martin had the winning bid for a Rockin' Weekend in Cleveland; and members of the Suzuki Book Club, Jim and Sue Kananew, Vinnie and Fred Ardillo, Judy and John Codrea and Mike and Alicia Tremmel, teamed up to win a Florida getaway.
