Our Lady of the Wayside “Cleveland’s Finest Hors D’oeuvre Contest”

A dream team of Northeast Ohio chefs helped to raise more than $75,000 at the sold-out 25th Anniversary of Cleveland’s Finest Hors D’oeuvre Contest to benefit Our Lady of the Wayside.

More than 750 guests attended the event at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field, hosted by Jen Toohey, Tim Richards and Desiray Cross of Star 102. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers prepared by a team of Cleveland’s best chefs.

Chef Genevieve Larson of the Tree House took first place in the contest for her Surf and Turf short rib Wellington. Chef Joseph Novak of the Hilton Garden Inn placed second for his pan-seared scallops with Yukon Gold potatoes, corn, French beans, lemon beurre blanc, pesto and micro greens. Chef John Selick of Sodexo won third place for artichoke arancini.

“Just like the Wayside, Cleveland’s Finest has grown dramatically and is now a signature event for us,” said Terry Davis, president of the Wayside. “The proceeds from this event will be directed to our Pathways Program, which offers day services for adults with developmental disabilities focusing on community integration through a variety of activities and programs.”

Admission to the event included two floors of wine selections. Musical entertainment was provided by Shetler Jones and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra.

Our Lady of the Wayside provides residential, transportation and day program services for more than 950 children and adults with developmental disabilities. The agency employs 900 and manages 95 homes in more than 45 Northeast Ohio communities. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN