The SMSC Sibling Support Council teamed up recently with the American Personal Chef Association (APCA) to help contribute toward SMSC’s kitchen
renovation project. The APCA asked Sophie’s Gallery artist Deborah Gile to
create the signature image art for their 6th annual Chef Summit
Conference that was held at the Town & Country Resort.

Guests of honor were SMSC Chefs Michael Bacon and Bud Corbin. They were presented with APCA’s National 2003 Serving Spoon Award, and recognized for their outstanding commitment and contribution to the wellness and independence of the population of St. Madeleine’s. “We applaud them for their dedication to providing nutrition, education and occupational training at St. Madeleine’s… they are such a valuable asset to the San Diego community,” said Candy Wallace, APCA’s executive director. She also explained that the funds raised during the summit would be donated to “a new state-of-the-art teaching kitchen where the students of St. Madeleine’s receive occupational training in food service.” Ms. Wallace’s comments were made in front of a full audience of chefs from around the country, as well as a crew from NBC-TV/Channel 7 that was there that morning. Importantly, not only did APCA recognize our chefs, but also they generously matched and donated the proceeds from the entry fees from their barbecue cookoff that was held during the summit.

In addition, proceeds from the sale of ‘Chef Summit’ T-shirts designed by Sophie’s Gallery artist Deborah Gile were also contributed. Her design entitled “Angel With a Rolling Pin” appeared on all T-shirts sold at the conference – T-shirts will be also be available for sale on the APCA website at www.personalchef.com. Also attending the conference were SMSC Executive Director Debra Turner, who thanked APCA on behalf of St. Madeleine’s for honoring Chefs Corbin and Bacon, and for selecting Deborah Gile’s artistry for their conference logo. Also present were SMSC Sibling Support Council Chair, Sharon Esche-Irving and her sister, SMSC
student, Terry Esche.