Like all diseases, kidney disease doesn’t play fair. It’s open to all ages, races and sexes.
At the Westin Galleria on Saturday, February 6, the Sixth Annual Bonne Santé filled the ballroom with chefs (Robert Clifford of Nick & Sam’s, Matt Dallman of 18th & Vine Kansas City Barbeque, Scott Gottlich and Andrea Maricich of The Second Floor by Scott Gottlich, Richard Hebben of XIX Nineteen Hyatt at The Bellevue, Sara Hooton of Central Market, William Koval of Lakewood Country Club, Matt McCallister of FT33 & Filament, Shawn McClain & Richard Camarota of Sage Restaurant, Edward Mendoza of Cucina 503, Abraham Salum of Komali/Salum, Gianni Santin of Haute Sweets Patisserie, David Smith of Westin Galleria, Ray Skradzinski and Bruce Wills of The Table, Marcus Strietzel of The Adolphus Hotel and Jason Weaver and Donald Chalko of Omni Dallas Hotel) cooking, wines being paired, walls lined with tables of silent auction items and 300 guests supporting the National Kidney Foundation Dallas Division.
Atlanta-based National Kidney Foundation Division President Gary Renville was on hand and impressed with the evening, which was orchestrated by Marie Collins, State of Texas Division president for the National Kidney Foundation, and event producer Steve Kemble.
When it comes to special events and the presidential debates, Steve didn’t hold back one iota. He said that if he were in charge of coordinating the verbal battles, he would have Megyn Kelly “do them all. Oh, the way she stirs things up!”
Other action of the night included Gina Gottlich hustling around pre-party in her flip flops… Chef Matt McCallister admitted this absence at the recent Soup’s On! was his fault due to his not responding soon enough… Abraham Salum reported that despite being traditionally being closed on Sundays, his Salum/Komali would be open on Sunday, February 14, for Valentine’s Day.
But the real subject of the night was kidney disease.
Event Co-Chair Chef William Koval of Lakewood Country Club told how his now-strapping, 18-year-old son, Nathan, had made him aware of kidney disease years ago. It was just nine years ago that Nathan fell and discovered that night blood in his urine. After immediately taking Nathan to the local Waxahachie hospital, the Williams learned both good news and bad — no, the kidney had not been lacerated. The bad news was that Nathan had only one kidney and it was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. Now, the over-six-footer Nathan is healthy but along with his family is vigilant about his health care and was by his dad’s side in preparing the food for the evening’s fest.
Across the ballroom at his food station, Event Co-Chair Scott was also personally aware and committed to kidney healthcare. His sister, Stephanie, was a kidney transplant.
steve kemble says
This is such AN AMAZING review of the event! YOU!! are simply the BEST!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!
Jeanne Prejean says
It was an amazing event thanks to Sassy Steve!!