What happens when the region’s best chefs team up to benefit the area’s only medical hospitality experience for families facing a serious medical crisis? Culinary Creations, a one-of-a-kind experience led by Jeff Simms, executive chef of banquets at the Breakers, will take place on Monday, June 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club to benefit Quantum House.
In its 29th year, the unique dining experience is produced in partnership with the American Culinary Federation’s Palm Beach chapter and historically sells out. Proceeds benefit Quantum House’s mission to provide a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition.
“When you work in the hospitality business, you have to love it,” Simms said. “Often underscored by long hours and hard work, feeding and caring for people is something most chefs have in common. The work Quantum House is doing for families and children is really the best kind of care — complementing their medical care. When a child requires hospitalization or medical treatment away from home, the impact extends beyond the child to the entire family, bringing about emotional challenges. In difficult times, fulfilling even basic daily needs can feel overwhelming. When I cook for the families at Quantum House, they are some of my favorite people to have around the table. They are beyond grateful, and it brings me great joy to help. This event allows me to gather my favorite chefs and do something fun to support Quantum House’s important work.”
Culinary Creations includes tastings and cocktail stations, including an entire room dedicated to desserts, along with a live auction and call to the heart. The event will feature a lineup of talented chefs, including Ozzie Vasquez of the Banyan Golf Club, Josef Morera of Echo Palm Beach, Dominick Laudia of the Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club, Christopher Park of the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, Jacques Larsen of the Crane Club at Tesoro, Jeff Simms of the Breakers, Javier Laurie of the Stonebridge Country Club, Mariel Lopez of Breakers West and Jerome Nicolas of the Club at Ibis.
Quantum House opened nearly 25 years ago on the campus of St. Mary’s Medical Center to serve a need that was previously not addressed in Palm Beach County. As an independent nonprofit, Quantum House relies solely on the generosity of the community for its operating costs. Guests staying at the house are relieved from the stress and financial hardship that is often added to the trauma of illness or injury. No one is turned away because of their inability to pay. As the only facility of its kind between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Quantum House serves families from around the world.
“We are beyond grateful to Jeff and all the chefs who support this amazing event,” said Greg Quattlebaum, president and CEO of Quantum House. “It just gets better and better each year, and this year will include a live auction with incredible offerings. Most importantly, it gives Quantum House a platform to share our mission of offering affordable lodging, a stocked pantry, nutritious meals, engaging family activities and an emergency safety net for families who find their medical crisis is also financially devastating. Our staff and volunteers serve close to 1,500 families and provide nearly 11,000 nights of accommodation annually. Events like Culinary Creations are critical in assisting our operations budget.”
The presenting sponsor for the event is Patriot Growth Insurance Services. Additional sponsors include St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Florida Power & Light, Spina O’Rourke, Southwest Greens, Raymond James, Resnick Wealth Alliance, the Feit Family Foundation, the Stoops Family, Lessing’s Hospitality Group and Wellington Florist.
The Quantum House campus is thoughtfully designed to provide all the comforts of home with 30 family suites, kitchens, spacious dining areas for shared meals and connections with volunteers and other families. It also features a playroom, fitness center, business center, housekeeping room, learning lounge, additional kitchen and laundry facilities. In addition to these indoor amenities, Quantum House also offers outdoor features including a playground, gazebo, healing bridge and benches throughout.
Programming for families staying at Quantum House includes seasonal and holiday events, putting lessons from PGA pros, visits from therapy dogs, jewelry making lessons, arts and crafts, and more.
Culinary Creations tickets are $295 per person and sponsorships are available. For more information, visit www.quantumhouse.org/culinary-creations or contact Bethany Baratelli at bbaratelli@quantumhouse.org. To support, volunteer or inquire about a stay at Quantum House, visit www.quantumhouse.org or call (561) 494-0515.
