UTICA, N.Y. - The nearly 300 people who got to enjoy tasty "gourmet" specialties Nov. 1 at Harts Hill Inn also helped make the Rescue Mission fundraiser one of the most successful in its 17-year history.

"We raised over $22,000, making this year's 'Gourmet Guys to the Rescue' one of our best, and that's even with four of our 29 celebrity chefs being sick and having to stay home," announced the Rev. Bill Dodge, executive director of the Rescue Mission of Utica.

He noted that chef Ed Welsh, Central Region AAA general manager, won "Best of Show" honors for his cranberry and apple stuffed pork tenderloin medallions. Welsh also won first place in the entree category.

Taking first place in the appetizer category was Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara for his chowder, and winning first place for desserts was Observer-Dispatch Viewpoints Editor Dave Dudajek for his pumpkin crumb cake.

"We can't thank our celebrity chefs enough for their love of cooking for charity," Rev. Dodge noted. "We also are grateful to all the people who showed up and joined us for a wonderful time of eating for charity, and we especially thank our sponsors for their support." This year's major sponsors were Staffworks, Benefits Insurance Group, and Claim Masters.

Other sponsors included: Star Society Motorcycle Riding Club of the Mohawk Valley, Carbone Auto Group, and Adirondack Bank.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Rescue Mission programs such as helping individuals recover from substance abuse, providing emergency shelter for the homeless, and providing food, clothing and learning programs for people in need.

People may also help the Rescue Mission by purchasing a "Gourmet Guy Cookbook" featuring many of the award-winning recipes for $15 plus $3 shipping. Contact the Rescue Mission at 315-735-1645 Ext. 103.

Here are the top three vote-getting chefs in each category:

APPETIZERS:
1. Scott McNamara - Chowder
2. Paul Plevritis - Spanakopita
3. Patrick Tysinski - Tasty Meatballs

ENTREES:
1. Ed Welsh - Cranberry-Apple Pork Tenderloin Medallions
2. Alex Carbone - Vegetarian Lasagna Alfredo
3. Dr. Ed Casper - Chicken Marsala

DESSERTS:
1. Dave Dudajek - Pumpkin Crumb Cake
2. Leland McCormac - Cheesecake Delights
3. Frank Williams - Chocolate Gateau

BEST OF SHOW:
1. Ed Welsh - Pork Tenderloin
2. Mark Bolos - Tabooli & String Cheese
3. William Garrett - BBQ Pork & Slaw