Most folks around town know these three guys: Perry Champion, Brendan Gochenourand Curtis Williamson. But what they may not know is that these three Chefs have come together to dole out tasty confections, with a hefty side of community service, to benefit those effected by the Little Bear Fire.
The trio recently founded the White Apron Society, a newly formed organization of culinary professionals.
Perry Champion, owner of the Café at Mountain Annie’s and a European-trained Chef, has a long history of service with The Nest domestic violence shelter in Ruidoso Downs and several other charities in Lincoln County. Like many of us, he was heartbroken over the sudden devastation caused by the Little Bear Fire.
Curtis Williamson, also a Chef by training, has made serving the Ruidoso community his mission as the Manager of Schlotzsky’s in Ruidoso. He has been heavily involved with a variety of local charities, whether organizing the recent Bunz Run or providing meals to the residents at the Nest. “It’s all about community. Our slogan is Make Ruidoso Lotz Better,” explains Williamson.
Brendan Gochenour has been a renowned chef for 24 years. He is one of the featured Chefs at the Mt. Annie’s Community Culinary Classes and also serves as a sales representative for Sysco. He explains, “Each of us has a skill. Whatever yours is, find a way to use it for the greater good.”
The quick-thinking partners formed a plan to stimulate donation efforts to benefit the victims of the Little Bear Fire. “Our plan is to have people deliver their fire donations to Sweet Charity on Highway 70. In appreciation, every person who has donated will have the opportunity to sign up for several amazing prizes,” explains Champion.
The clothing and supply drive will end with a drawing for the prizes on July 1. Prizes include various Schlotzky gift cards, personal instruction at two culinary classes with the Chefs ($100 value), a fabulous dinner for four with tableside service at the Café at Mountain Annie’s($500 value) and $1,000 gift certificate to Fusion Medical Spa, offered by Dr. Stephen Rath.
“The dinner prize will include tableside service by all three members of the White Apron Society. We’re pulling out all of the stops,” entices Gochenour.
Donations will be accepted at Sweet Charity Monday-Saturday from 10-5 PM. For more information, please call Sweet Charity at 378-0041. All items donated in this drive are being distributed for free to the survivors of the Little Bear Fire.