Salisbury, MD – On March 8, 2025, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County held their 14th annual Chefs for Habitat gala at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. With the support of sponsors, donors, chefs, celebrity fundraisers, and 500 guests, the event raised a total of $120,000 towards safe, decent affordable housing.
Throughout the winter, local community leaders dubbed “Celebrity Fundraisers” launched personal giving campaigns, raising a total of $46,430 for Habitat. The Celebrity fundraising champion Gavin Stephens of HALO raised $9,900 through his campaign. In addition, the celebrities accepted the challenge of refurbishing an item selected from the Habitat ReStore Thrift Shop and presenting it for auction at Chefs for Habitat. During the gala, attendees were able to vote on their favorite piece. The crowd favorite, Dr. Deborah Casey of Wor-Wic Community College, recruited her students to help her create a bench out of a vintage wooden bed. Jesus Cruz with The Insurance market, had the highest bid-upon item with his wine bar reimagined from a storage desk.
The night was filled with sumptuous plates and delicious treats prepared by 22 local chefs. Donating their time and talent to the event were: Al Chandler (Dinner Express Catering), Allison Porter and Brad Mogan (Mogan’s Oyster House), Cheyenne Simpler (The Groove), Christie McDowell (Belle Grove Tea Co.), Darlene Davis (Amazing Lee), DaRon Fosque and Tyres Parsons (JoJo’s Family restaurant), David and Barbara Wharton (Cakes by David), Frank Morgan and Mel Gunderson (Mayabella’s Pizza), India Thomas (Thomas Family Catering), Jason Myers (Roadie Joe’s), Jenna Howard (EVO), Jim and Kaden Washington (Washington’s Catering), Joshua Parks and Ross Marvel (Playa Bowls), Katerra Dettbarn (Sweet Addiction), Kim Timmons (Flamingo Road Cookie Company), Pat Williams (Salisbury Pit and Pub), Shaina Daly and Heather Hall (The Ugly Pie), Tashana Phillips (De’Carla’s Treats), Teera Koiprasert (Teera Thai Cuisine), TJ Ownby (Mad Hatter Café), Tosha Bateman (B&J’s Soulful Creations), and Troy Conway (Faithful Food Concepts).
Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County extends a heartfelt thank you to its Platinum Gala Chef Sponsors, Bordeleau Vineyard and Winery, Precision Exteriors, and Chaney Cares. HFHWC also thanks Honorary Chairs Rob and Christina Fuller, the celebrity fundraisers, gala chefs, donors, sponsors, volunteers and gala attendees.
Proceeds from this event go directly to Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County to support affordable homeownership and critical home repairs/aging in place programs in Wicomico and Somerset counties.
About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County
Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has served 92 families with affordable homeownership and 152 families with critical home repairs. For more information, visit www.wicomicohabitat.org.
