Louisiana cuisine featured at Goodwill Gala in Macon; event benefits Helms College
Seafood, king cake and frog legs are on the menu at the "Blue Bayou" Goodwill Gala Friday night celebrating Louisiana cuisine and the students of Helms College.
"We tired to cover everybody's wish list and all different palates," said Ivey Hall, director of volunteer services at Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia. "Whether you are really adventurous and want to try the frog legs, or if you want to take it a little bit safer and go with the short ribs and pork loin."
This is the 11th year for the gala, which raises money for Helms College's scholarships while giving current students hands-on experience of a large-scale, black tie event.
"That's one of the big things we focus on at Helms College, to translate all that they are learning in the classroom to real life," Hall said.
About 180 students prepare food for the 500 guests. Jay Stancill, senior director of culinary arts education at Helms College, said even students in their first quarter of the 44-week culinary program will be able to participate.
"From the introductory fabrication course all the way through to international or the baking and pastry courses, all (students) are producing as part of their curriculum something for the event," Stancill said. "It's a great opportunity for them, for the school and for the community to come in and see how far these students have come in a short amount of time."
Pianist Steve Hollomon and the AJ Ghent Band will perform. There also will be an open bar, a raffle and a live auction.
Raffle items include original art by Ginger Concepcion, a $400 gift certificate for Bashinski Fine Gems and Jewelry, a table for four at Macon Pops and two tickets for the 2016 Goodwill Gala.
The live auction items range from $800 to $2,300 and include a weekend trip to New Orleans, a private four-course dinner for eight prepared by the executive chef from Edgar's Bistro and includes entertainment by students from the McDuffie Center for Strings, four tickets to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and a Mercer University package of 12 tickets to athletic and cultural events.
This year's gala already has raised $100,000 for Helms College scholarships. Tables are sold out, but guests can still purchase individual tickets for $125.
Stancill says the gala supports the college's mission.
"Our students and everyone at Goodwill and Helms College feel very grateful to be a part of an organization that can provide education to people in our communities at a tuition rate that allows them to not only be able to take care of themselves but to be able to take care of a family," Stancill said. "And when they graduate, to not be in debt."
He added that 85 Helms College alumni also will return for the gala.
"Some have started their own businesses, whether it be catering or their own baking and pastry shops," Stancill said. "I think over my time here, the community in Macon is starting to understand the caliber of students that come out of here and are welcoming them with open arms. Macon has a great food scene, and our students are contributing to that."
2015 Annual Goodwill Gala
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 20
Where: Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway
Cost: $125
Information: GoodwillGala@goodwillworks.org; 478-471-4879
This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Louisiana cuisine featured at Goodwill Gala in Macon; event benefits Helms College ."