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| Howell Conference & Nature Center | Press Release |
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Diamond's Steak and Seafood beats out ten of the area's best chefs to win annual cuisine competition benefiting wildlife rehabilitation and education at Howell Nature Center
Howell, Mi - November 12, 2013 - Howell Conference & Nature Center's Wild Wonderful Night Gala on Thursday, November 7, 2013 brought out the competitive nature of local chefs vying for the Kili best cuisine award. The silver and crystal trophy of an eagle in flight symbolizes the Nature Center's oldest resident Bald Eagle, named Kili.
"We could tell the chefs were getting geared up for a fierce competition," said Event Coordinator Maria Radke. "They were all talking a big game in the days leading up to A Wild Wonderful Night."
Each guest at the event had just one vote to cast among the eleven competitors, and the final tally showed just how difficult it was to make that decision. Three restaurants--2012 Kili Award winner Burroughs Tavern, Oak Pointe Country Club, and The Root--were all within a single vote of each other. Diamond's Steakhouse and Seafood, of downtown Howell, bested them all by leading with two proven favorites: tender steak tips and beautifully-presented carrot cake.
 | | Chef Adam Merkle, flanked by two lovely assistants. |
With about 250 in attendance, the event raised $38,000 via raffles, two silent auctions, and a live auction emceed by Charlie Marcuso, best known as "the opera-singing hot dog vendor." Executive Director Dick Grant shared a video celebrating the Nature Center's 50-year history, and gave a sneak peek into the organization's plans for the future. Wildlife Director Dana DeBenham presented a heartwarming slideshow of "before and after" photos that represented a tiny fraction of the more than 2,100 wild animals that are treated at the non-profit facility each year. Proceeds of A Wild Wonderful Night will support wildlife rehabilitation and education at the Nature Center. Live jazz from the Freestyle trio punctuated the elegant evening.
Other Kili competitors included:
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About Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education at the Howell Conference & Nature Center
The Howell Nature Center's Wildlife Rehabilitation program celebrated 30 years in service to injured and orphaned animals in 2012. It is the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in Michigan, and is recognized across the country for its specialization in raptors, or birds of prey. The Nature Center cares for 2,300 injured and orphaned animals every year, with the bulk of those intakes coming in May, June and July. If you find an injured or orphaned animal, please call our Wildlife Helpline at 517-548-5530. |
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About Howell Conference & Nature Center
Celebrating 50 years in 2013, the Howell Conference & Nature Center provides a comprehensive wildlife rehabilitation, environmental and outdoor education, and outdoor recreation facility to individuals and groups. Features of the 270-acre facility include: modern lodges, Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, Alexandria's Naturescape play area, the Nature Zone, miles of hiking trails, and much more. Owned and operated by the Presbytery of Detroit, the Howell Conference & Nature Center is a non-profit organization funded primarily through programs, private donations, and special events. Visit www.howellnaturecenter.org for more information.
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April Gasbarre
Marketing & Development Coordinator
aprilg@howellnaturecenter.org
734-474-2176
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