by Shaun Knittel - SGN Staff Writer

On January 17, over 300 community and corporate leaders gathered for a multi-course Chefs' Dinner to benefit Bailey-Boushay House, a skilled nursing facility operated by Virginia Mason Medical Center that cares for people living with HIV/AIDS and other complex, life-threatening diseases. Preceding the dinner, an additional 150 guests participated in an hors d'oeuvres reception and silent auction.

Bailey-Boushay house officials report that the event raised record-breaking funds of $304,000, making it the most successful Chefs' Dinner to date.

According to a January 20 Bailey-Boushay House press release, the increase of revenue was due to the tremendous generosity of host Bell Harbor International Conference Center and Columbia Hospitality; the 13 chefs who donated their time, talent and food to the cause; and to the hundreds of participants and volunteers who opened their hearts and pocketbooks for Bailey-Boushay House.

"Year after year, supporters of the Chefs' Dinner amaze us with their generosity and willingness to give larger gifts to Bailey-Boushay House. This year far exceeded even our best hopes," said Brian Knowles, executive director of Bailey-Boushay House. "We owe many thanks to these culinary masters for putting on such a wonderful celebration. Their support means hundreds of clients will get the nutrition and support they need."

Media personality Dick Foley was emcee of the event, and Safeco Insurance Foundation was the event presenter.

This year's honoree was Betsy Lieberman, executive director of Building Changes. Lieberman was recognized for her vision and leadership in helping create Bailey-Boushay House. In 1988, Lieberman started AIDS Housing of Washington to build Bailey-Boushay House. Since then, she has spearheaded the planning and development of more than 160 units of supportive housing in the Seattle and King County area. Nationally, Lieberman seeks to raise public awareness about the value of supportive housing and the prevention of homelessness.

The appetizers and seven-course dinner were prepared by 13 celebrated area chefs, including chefs Daniel Molina of Bailey-Boushay House, Jay Bartelson of Bell Harbor, Mike Davis of Barrio, Jason Stratton of Cascina Spinasse, Dalis Chea of Fresh Bistro by Herban Feast, Joseba Jimenez de Jimenez of The Harvest Vine and Txori, Jason Bray of Ivar's, James Drohman of Le Pichet and Café Presse, Rich Coffey of Madison Park Café, Peter Birk of Ray's Boathouse, Adam Federoff of Rosebud Restaurant and Bar, and Craig Hetherington and Lucy Damkoehler of TASTE.

Bailey-Boushay House, opened in 1992, is America's first skilled nursing facility planned, funded, built and staffed to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. The nationally recognized facility provides care for people living with HIV/AIDS and other complex, life-threatening diseases, promoting their health, well-being and functional independence. Bailey-Boushay House is operated by Virginia Mason Medical Center. For more information, visit the organization online at www.Bailey-Boushay.org.

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