CHAPEL HILL, NC – Carolina Meadows, the Triangle’s largest continuing care retirement community, is joining forces with Transitions GuidingLights, a nonprofit caregiver support center in Raleigh, for an evening of culinary excellence as local chefs compete at the Share to Care 7th Annual ‘Light of Love’ Gala.
“We are so excited about the support that Carolina Meadows provides Transitions GuidingLights,” said Nicole Bruno, Co-founder and Executive Director of Transitions GuidingLights Caregiver Support Center. “Not only with our Share to Care event but also through a grant that has helped us to create the Orange County Caregiver’s Summit.”

Dedicated to providing the best resources and means of support for all local family and professional caregivers, Transitions GuidingLights says this event is its most significant fundraiser of the year. Last year’s event raised nearly $46,000 and this year, Bruno says she hopes to top that.

“Share to Care is such an important event for our charity,” Bruno said. “It is the largest fundraising event that we hold during the year and the money raised helps us to support more than 3,500 family and professional caregivers in our service area.”

Boasting music, dancing and a live auction, the evening’s main event is a competitive chef challenge, where local professional cooks face off to bring home the prestigious Silver Spoon and People’s Choice Awards.

“As a chef, you always measure yourself amongst your peers,” said Carolina Meadows Executive Chef Jody McLeod. “Our culinary team goes above and beyond every day for our residents and the Light of Love Gala gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the amazing talent of our team in a friendly professional competition.”

In the spirit of the gala’s “Romance and Glamour” theme, McLeod is preparing a “When Harry Met Sally”-themed menu complete with a classic American cuisine that will be sure to “stimulate” the palate.

“We are featuring foods from the infamous diner scene, but our culinary inspiration mainly comes from our residents,” said McLeod. “It is very touching to hear how some of our residents met and we’re excited to showcase their relationships and individual love stories at this event.”

The event takes place at the Governor W. Kerr Scott Building in Raleigh on Saturday, February 18 at 7PM. To buy tickets, visit www.sharetocareevent.com or call 919-371-2062.