by Amanda Crolley
Administrative Assistant

On Sunday, October 26th, the Katie Caples Foundation hosted its 4th annual Chefs’ Dinner at Osprey Village on Amelia Island. The night was a huge success! We were thrilled to have so many people come to celebrate the launch of the Foundation’s new brand and support all the hard work being done by Katie Caples Foundation educators to raise awareness about the need for people to register to become an organ donor.

Chefs David Berrian, Jamie LeBlanc, Michael Gass, Dale Ford, Chris Pickren, and Brennan Pickren showed off their talents with an array of exotic gourmet dishes. The unique menu included items such as truffled grits, 130° strip loin, chicory, bleu tots, aerated cheesecake, frozen caramel latte, and even tempura frog legs! Also, thanks to Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, each of the five courses was paired with exceptional wines from the U.S. and abroad. All in all, the dinner experience was truly amazing.

The most inspiring part of the evening came with the presentation of “Katie’s Story”. The Foundation’s new educational video shared the powerful results of Katie’s courageous decision to become an organ donor. Featured in the video was a touching interview with Chris Markert who received Katie’s heart in the spring of 1998. Just as Katie helped save lives with her ultimate act of generosity, Chris is now also helping save lives as a New York firefighter. Following the premiere of “Katie’s Story” was the launch of the Foundation’s new brand and manifesto, Yes Saves Lives! The Foundation is confident that the new brand will inspire others to take action and register to become an organ donor.

In attendance were members of the region’s transplant community such as surgeons and hospital administrators from UF Health Shands Transplant, LifeQuest and Mayo Clinic as well as guests with inspiring transplant stories including Katie Brothers Smith, a double lung recipient and Nick Tison, Jacksonville Firefighter and First Responder.

This year’s dinner was a tremendous success that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Osprey Village, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, Blue Buddha Exotic Foods, Inc., The Shouvlin Foundation, and the many Silent Auction donors. We are so thankful for your support!

If you missed this year’s dinner, not to worry…stay tuned for details about the 5th Annual Chefs’ Dinner!