Guild to host 18th annual Dishes for Wishes culinary fundraiser at the National Orange Show Events Center

The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild proudly announces the 18^th annual Dishes for Wishes event, a culinary benefit for the patients of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. It will be held the evening of Wednesday, October 11, at the National Orange Show Events Center, San Bernardino.

Guild President Lynn Sleeth says the theme this year is “Oldies but Goodies, Dishes for Wishes,” and that the event will feature boutique shopping, a colorful cooking demonstration emceed by Inland Empire celebrity chef Martha Green, and a commemorative recipe book to take home.

Courtney B. Martin, DO, medical director of the Total Care Birth Center at Children’s Hospital, will be the guest speaker. Martin is also an attending physician in the department of obstetrics/gynecology. Funds raised this year will purchase two neonatal heart monitors and other equipment for the center.

The cooking demonstration will feature chefs from Najwa’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Tess’ Place, and Martha Green’s Eating Room. However, the chef from Clarkie’s diner will not be able to attend, so Donald C. Moores, MD, a pediatric surgeon at the hospital, will demonstrate the Clarkie’s recipe. His wife, Penny Moores, is a member of the guild’s board of directors.

Local law enforcement officials, firefighters and young men from Teen Challenge will serve as waiters at the event and gladly accept tips. In addition, several administrators and department heads will help prepare the food served to guests. “What’s exciting is that the total community gets involved in this,” Sleeth said. Last year, tips alone accounted for approximately $2,000 of the more than $68,000 raised at the fundraiser, she said.

Tickets for the event are $65, and Sleeth said tables of 10 are available for $650. She also said several community organizations and individuals are sponsoring the event. Registration and additional information are available online at https://advancement.lluhealth.org/dishesforwishes, and additional sponsorships are still available.

Doors open for shopping and socializing at 4:30 p.m. Sleeth recommends that attendees arrive early to find the best bargains.

“Every year, we look forward to Dishes for Wishes with great anticipation,” she said. “It is a privilege to host this uplifting event for the children of the Inland Empire.”