Prince William- Manassas Chamber holds cruisine event

The Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce's annual Cuisine de Commerce Luncheon was a bonanza for local charities.

Cheri Villa, president and CEO of SERVE Inc.,  was presented with more than 100 toys along with gift cards and cash for distribution to area children this holiday season.

Members attending the luncheon Tuesday at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club in Gainesville donated the items.

A portion of the proceeds of the luncheon fund the chamber's annual Shelley Krasnow Community Service awards presented annually to two local nonprofit organizations. As sponsor, Cardinal Bank will present the awards at the Community Showcase Luncheon in February.

The chamber's education committee received more than $200 toward its scholarship fund by conducting a raffle at the luncheon. The chamber will award 12 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors next spring.

Chamber Chairman Steve Nelson auctioned off a chance to throw a pie in his face to raise money to benefit the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross. That honor was won by former chairman Rick Hender-shot.

The chamber's community relations committee also announced plans for a food drive to benefit SERVE.

Cuisine de Commerce is the chamber's "Taste of Prince William," showcasing the culinary talents of member caterers, restaurants and gourmet shops.

Exhibiting were A La Carte Catering & Events Design; American Tap Room; Anothai Restaurant-Gainesville; Backyard Grill; Catfish Lewie's of Haymarket; Chick-fil-A Signal Hill; City Square Café; COSTCO Whole-sale; Foster's Grille; Foundation; Four Points by Sheraton; Glory Days Grill; Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club; The Iron Bridge Wine Company; Kitchen Gourmet & A Company of Caterers Inc.; L&L Delivery, Inc.; Mil-waukee Frozen Custard; Okra's Louisiana Bistro; Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Central Virginia; Red Hot & Blue; Super Chicken; UNO's Chicago Grill-Gainesville and UNO's Chicago Bar & Grill-Manassas.

Those attending the gathering had choices that included shrimp and crab fondue, min-pork sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, pasta, crab cakes, spiced shrimp, quiche, pumpkin soup and an assortment of desserts such as brownies, cookies, pie, cake, cheesecake, fruit salad and frozen custard.

Carol Collins was on hand portraying Mother Christmas and collecting gifts, and the children of the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center provided the holiday tree and created the festive centerpieces adorning each table and adding to the holiday atmosphere of the luncheon.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.