Seagull Services 6th Annual Chef Event

Seagull Services, a private, non-profit social service agency, celebrated its 6th Annual Chef Event on March 9, 2016. Presenting sponsors Comerica and Douglas C. Lane & Associates, as well as numerous other sponsors, supporters and donors, truly contributed to make the afternoon a success. The event was held at Café Boulud and featured a delicious three-course gourmet lunch. A cooking demonstration, by Café Bouluds’ Head Pastry Chef, Alex McKinstry, followed.

The three-course decadent lunch began with a crisp caesar salad, served with crunchy herbed croutons parmesan tuile, and sprinkled with a light black pepper vinaigrette. Guests were extremely satisfied with a grand entrée of roasted scottish salmon, with savory carrots and endive, served under a sweetened tangerine emulsion. A delightfully creamy banoffee pie concluded the three-course meal.

As guests enjoyed their lunch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seagull Services, Barbara Nurenberg, addressed the crowd. Referring to the direct affect of the contributions made by the attendees of the luncheon, Ms. Nurenberg exclaimed, “You are a dream maker!” The charity of each guest, as well as other donors throughout the year, grant Seagull Services the ability to help the dreams come true of people they serve.

What began as a few parents meeting in a church basement over 35 years ago has developed into a significantly substantial organization, benefiting more than 325 people throughout the greater Palm Beach County area. Seagull Academy for Independent Living, a charter school also known as SAIL, provides individualized programs for middle and high school students, 12-22 years of age, with developmental disabilities and learning challenges. SAIL’s mission is for students to graduate, be independent and employable in the community. Ms. Nurenberg recognized that 60% of SAIL students either have or will have jobs when they transition from a school to employment environment.

Edward (Ned) Dewees, Managing Director/Principal, of Douglas C. Lane & Associates, a registered investment advisory firm, also addressed the events attendees. Mr. Dewees affirmed, after spending a few moments with Ms. Nurenberg, he learned more about Seagull Services than he knew previously. He described Seagull Services’ vocational training facilities and fulfillment centers, with several safe advanced industrial machines, a residential program that provides life skills and community based training, and numerous other services including transportation and farming.

Following Mr. Dewees’ informative report of all the exceptional assistance Seagull Services provide, Pastry Chef Alex McKinstry took the stage.  Chef McKinstry recently joined Café Boulud, located at the Brazilian Court in Palm Beach, from Vue de Monde, in Australia. Chef was exquisitely entertaining as he demonstrated how to prepare one of his favorite desserts-the delightfully creamy banoffee pie, which concluded the delicious three-course lunch. Chef McKinstry made this dessert with great grace and ease, as well as a little “TV Magic” to speed through the baking portions of the demonstration.  Everyone of course enjoyed eating the final product.

The afternoon event also included a magnificent silent auction. However, one particular item stood apart from the other graciously donated items.  This was not due to the grandiose size of the item, but because it was absolutely breathtaking! “Pastel Hearts,” a large art print, was created by one of the participants in Seagull Services’ art program. Additional silent auction items included spa packages, a gift basket from Carmine’s Gourmet Italian Market and tickets to The Joffrey Ballet at the Kravis Center.  As guests parted, everyone was gifted with wonderful gift bags full of goodies.

 
For more information about Seagull Services and their work assisting students and adults with various disabilities find jobs, fulfillment and success in their lives, through their Charter School, Residential, Business and Skill-building Services, please visit: seagullservices.org.