08/03/10

Congratulations Team Leeza's Place!

"We were born to end this!”  As we climbed Mt. Washington, I kept hearing it in my head; rolling over and over in my mind as I took another step towards the summit.

Those of us at the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation had been dreaming of this day since Enzo and “The Regulars” first mentioned (a year ago) that the climb was on the books.

Our care advocates at our eight Leeza’s Place locations have been inspired by what the symbol of a mountain represented to our guests.

We set out with their stories embedded in our hearts. We walked for all those who couldn't.

Our team was powered by Optimum Life by Brookdale and we felt blessed to have such amazing support.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Leeza's blog...

08/02/10

As the Ultimate Chef America event rolls across the country it continues to grow and amaze! The crowd in Detroit was huge and they all came ready to cheer on their favorite chefs, sample great cuisine, learn new things and contribute to our foundation.

The silent auction (which benefits the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation) was the biggest yet...featuring "The Hands of Wisdom", an original painting featuring guests of Brookdale Living's Heritage of Southfield.

Our nonprofit is not only blessed to receive the proceeds from these special events, but we are exceptionally grateful for our growing friendships within the Brookdale community. The team in Detroit did a fantastic job!

This time I brought my youngest son Nathan who has a not-so-secret fantasy of being a chef.  Imagine the thrill in his heart when Joska Hajdu, Brookdale’s SVP of Dining presented him with his very own Optimum Life by Brookdale chef's hat and jacket!  Then, when he was told he could attend the culinary classes in Chicago under the tutelage of the master himself, Nathan was speechless!

This time, Chef Rick allowed all of us judges to give live commentary on each dish as they were presented for judging.  Thank goodness for Dr. Kevin O'Neil who was able to actually offer something meaningful to fill in the oohs, aahs and yums which the rest of the judges offered!  I am still raving about how beautiful the chipotle quinoa looked on the plate!

Thanks to Sara Terry and the Brookdale team for pulling off another masterpiece of an event!

Brookdale's Ultimate Chef Team in Detroit

Brookdale's Sara Terry with Leeza Gibbons

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7