A whopping $149,040 was raised at last week’s Parade of Chefs, smashing the record set at last year’s gourmet fundraiser.

Pictured above from left: Deb Verhey, Harry Verhey, Sarah Group, John Schinkel (standing), Kevin Stallaert, Jason Stallaert, Dr. Nadine Yammine (standing), Nicole Stallaert, Doreen Warwick (standing), Gary Warwick, and Bob Pennington (standing).

All proceeds from the dinner – with the largest crowd and most money raised in the event’s 17 year history, support bringing back the Urology department to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular evening” says Mary Lou Crowley, CEO of the CKHA Foundation. “Together, we can achieve great things for our community hospital, and together, we did raise the bar and make this the best Parade of Chefs Chatham-Kent has ever seen!”

Guests enjoyed a delicious six course meal prepared by local chefs using fresh local produce, paired with complimenting wines and craft beers from local wineries and breweries.

The fundraising total blows away last year’s dinner, which raised $62,600.