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Great Chefs 2003 Delivered

Partners Home Care's Great Chefs 2003 fundraiser delivered great food and drink, fun and most of all—$40,000 that will benefit the non-profit visiting nurse association's cancer programs and services. "This was a landmark year for this event," said PHC President Marcia Reissig. "Although the home health industry is being impacted by budget cuts, Partners Home Care remains committed to providing needed cancer care services to patients at home. The wonderful success of Great Chefs helps us continue this mission."

This year's event had a Mardi Gras theme and many of the restaurants and caterers had fun serving up some Louisiana-style cooking, but with 19 serving stations, there was great food for any palate, all donated by area restaurants, caterers, bakeries, breweries and wine distributors.

As the Masters of Ceremonies, media personalities Ron Della Chiesa of WPLM and WGBH radio and Kim Carrigan of WBZ-TV got the evening off to a festive start by encouraging guests to participate in the silent and live auctions. Also, a special raffle was held for a suite of Mabe pearls, earrings and matching ring donated by King Jewelers of Cohasset and valued at $2,000.

While the evening offered lots of gaiety, the four hundred participants were aware of the seriousness of the cause. This year's event was a tribute to Gina Arvidson, a PHC physical therapist who last year lost her battle with breast cancer. Gina's family was present to hear a tribute given by Noel Simmons, PHC Rehabilitation Specialist and Gina's supervisor. Another impassioned address was given by Sandy Aiello, whose five-year-old daughter Kayla was a patient of PHC until her death from cancer two years ago. "We all came together at Great Chefs not just for the great food and fun, but to show support for the work Partners Home Care delivers to patients every day," added Marcia Reissig.