Students from Durham College’s Culinary Skills and Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism programs played a key role at one of Markham’s largest fundraising events on October 4 when they assisted with food preparation and service at the 8^th annual Culinary Golf Classic in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Breast Health Centre and Cancer Clinic. A portion of the money raised will go towards bursaries and awards for culinary and hospitality students at Durham College.

Held at Angus Glen Golf Club and Conference Centre in Markham and MC’d by Erin Davis, host of the CHFI Erin & Mike Morning Show, the yearly fundraiser saw students team up with head chefs from top restaurants around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to prepare gourmet food for sampling right on the golf course.  2012 marked the third year the college was involved with the event.

“All of the professors who support Durham College’s Culinary Skills and Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism students are incredibly proud of their involvement in the 8^th annual Culinary Golf Classic,” said Dave Hawey, a professor with the college’s School of Business, IT & Management and program co-ordinator for Culinary Skills program. “This event provides a great opportunity for our students to showcase their skills while working alongside some of the GTA’s top culinary talent – an incredible opportunity for them considering they are only four weeks into the fall semester.”

Notable chefs in attendance included Rob Rainford, former host, Food Network Canada’s Licence to Grill; Stephen Perrin, executive chef, Terra Restaurant; Donovan Campbell, executive chef, Angus Glen Golf Club; John Koidis, executive chef, Johnny Bistro; and Rob Grieve, Tricia Wiseman, Dave Hawey and Marco Cassano, professors, Durham College.

“We are thrilled to represent the college at this fundraising opportunity and would like to thank all of the participants for their support of the Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Breast Health Centre and Cancer Clinic and of course, Durham College and our students,” added Hawey.