Chef whips up support for needy

Once again, celebrity chef Jon Ashton was a big hit in Plant City with his mixture of cooking tips spiced with humor.

Ashton headlined a Feb. 20 fundraiser that attracted 275 guests - and at least $50,000 - for the United Food Bank.

The generosity of guests at the second annual "Celebrity Chef Dinner" featuring Ashton will help keep the food bank's cupboards stocked at a time when demand has never been greater, Executive Director Kelleigh Klein said.

"People that you know are without jobs and can't pay their bills," she told the audience. "And when they can't pay their bills, one of the bills they can't pay is their food bill."

Ashton, known for his appearances on such shows at "Today," spent about two hours whipping up dishes that included chicken, potatoes, strawberries and more. He sold samples of the meal and shots of alcohol to members of the audience.

He poked fun at Tiger Woods' intimate relationships with women other than his wife, Princes Charles' big ears and other celebrity chefs.

This was the second year that Ashton was featured at the fundraiser. Last year's event attracted about 210 guests and raised $40,000.

The event remained at Hillsborough Community College's Trinkle Center but moved to a larger hall within the center this year. A camera overhead also showed close-ups of Ashton as he cooked food and dished out such advice as letting meat sit for a few minutes before serving so juices can settle and feeling free to experiment in the kitchen.

"Don't straitjacket your recipes. Cook to your taste buds," he said.

Throughout, Ashton weaved in an important message: Everyone bears a responsibility to help those in need.

Aston, born in England, said his grandmother instilled in him a heart for charity.

"The gift of giving is so important in life." He said he feels blessed to have the chance to live in the United States. "I'm the tallest leprechaun you will ever see," he said.

A number of items were auctioned, from a summer stay in a North Carolina mountain cabin to a diamond ring. The largest bid of the night, $5,000 from Larry Jimenez of Star Distribution, was for Ashton to return to Plant City and cook for 12 guests.

Klein thanked a number of key supporters during the fundraiser, including Verizon, Publix and schools in East Hillsborough County.

She said the economic downturn has forced more and more people to seek the food bank's services, and the community has helped keep the food flowing.

"We could not do it without your help," she said.

The evening also included a competition among law enforcement and fire rescue agencies for the best predinner reception dish, as chosen by the audience members. First place went to the Plant City Police Department, second to Plant City Fire Rescue and third to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.