Gulfport Chefs Table grows and feeds multitudes to raise money for charity

Wow! What a turnout for such a worthy event. This wonderful and dramatic photo was in The Gabber showing the Chefs Table in downtown Gulfport. The event, now in it's second year, donates proceeds to Gulfport Montessori Elementary School. The weather was perfect. Some 360 diners enjoyed delicious dishes from 10 fine Gulfport restaurants. Debbie Wolfe did a terrific story and many wonderful photos. Check it out.

A story about barbecue and good-hearted people who helped victims of a hurricane

So here's what we mean about the good-hearted people in our community. Here's a shining example if there ever was one. John Riesebeck, who owns Smokin' J's Real Texas BBQ in Gulfport, was so moved by the plight of the folks on the east coast of Florida who were hit hard by Hurricane Matthew that he decided to do something to help. He rented a truck and hauled non-perishable items over to the tiny town of Edgewater in Volusia County, and he set up his smoker and he cooked for people. But there's way more to the story than than. It involves the Gulfport Chef's Table and a lot of people who pitched in. Kudos to The Gabber for telling the story. You've got to read this. What a wonderful community we live in.

Here's community at its best: Gulfport Chef's Table, splendid night to help others

Even though it had to be delayed because of Hurricane Matthew, the first Gulfport Chef's Table turned out to be a remarkable charity event, one that is likely to be repeated next year. We say bravo! Culinary delicacies from chefs at eight Gulfport restaurants were served to more than 200 diners under the stars right there in the middle of Beach Boulevard. Diners found the food delicious, the atmosphere convivial, and the cause worthy. The event raised $8,000 for CASA, the domestic violence shelter organization. The proceeds will generate a matching gift, giving the organization $16,000. Community at its best. Read Debbie Wolfe's terrific story in The Gabber to get all the details.