Flavors of Philanthropy: Charleston Cooks up a Culinary Bazaar

Embracing a spirit of "shop 'til you drop," attendees at LDEI Charleston’s Culinary Bazaar fundraiser delighted in exploring the vibrant marketplace brimming with a treasure trove of goods and unique finds.

The organizing committee included Tanya Gurrieri, Angie DuPree, Lisa Buzzelli, and Amanee Neirouz. Members successfully sourced quality items with the help of committee tutorials. Over a period of months, the chapter built a huge collection of “gently used” and brand-new culinary items. Dames held parties for tasks such as cleaning, pricing, packing, and transporting the items for storage. The bazaar was advertised across

various social media platforms. Angie DuPree and Lauren Furey were among those who promoted the bazaar on TV. Donations arrived steadily until a week before the sale.

Brands represented included a substantial collection of Le Creuset cookware, in addition to All Clad, Smithey Ironware, Sous Vide, Dansk, and Kitchen Aid. Shoppers snagged kitchen tools from local, celebrity chefs; vintage cookware; glassware, dinnerware, and linens; collectibles; artisanal baked goods (such as Callie’s Biscuits); and themed, custom gourmet gift baskets. A raffle offered highly sought-after items including Charleston Wine and Food Festival tickets.

A gracious thank you to sponsors Manley Home Team, High Wire Distilling, Pack Rat Self Storage, Smithey Ironware Company, Sysco, and Atlantic Foodservice Marketing for helping Les Dames support women in the food and hospitality industry.

"An event like this," President Mary Kay Gill emphasizes, "takes a lot of womenpower!" Fueled by the energy of passionate shoppers, the successful fundraiser generated nearly $10,000, specifically benefiting LDEI scholarships. It’s great to indulge in a little “retail therapy” while supporting such a worthy cause!

Susan Fuller Slack (Charleston)