By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
FORT ASHBY — Eight or more area chefs will be manning their wooden spoons for the sake of the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown when Brookedale Farms presents its annual Feast Off on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2-5 p.m.
The farm, owned by Donna Brooke-Alt and Donnie Alt, launched the fund raiser shortly after they found themselves staying in the Ronald McDonald House while their son, now 9 years old, was a patient in the nearby hospital.
“Our son Derek was born high risk in Morgantown, and for three months he lived in the hospital; never getting to go home,” Brooke-Alt explained.
“This meant that myself, my husband and my 2-year-old son were going to be by his side — somehow. Along with friends and the Ronald McDonald House, we were able to stay close.
“The staff made the house feel like home to us. During such an emotional time, they were there if we needed something; they provided so much.
“We wanted to be able to give back just a little,” she said.
And so the family started the Feast-Off — an annual event highlighted by the opportunity to sample the culinary creations of area chefs willing to spend a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon supporting a good cause.
Visitors are invited to sample the offerings and vote for their favorites, with the top vote-getters to receive the “People's Choice” award.
There will also be a panel of judges to decide which creations deserve top honors in each of four categories: Appetizers, Soups, Entrees, and Desserts.
“We have prizes for each category,” Brooke-Alt said, adding that the People's Choice winner will receive a prize and hand-painted plaque.
Scheduled to participate thus far are: Taste of Town of Fort Ashby, When Pigs Fly of Cumberland, Dawn McCarty (Pampered Chef), Tracey Taylor (Tastefully Simple), Keith “Lou” Lewis of Marty's Hot Dog Stand in Keyser, The Bean (Donna Class) of Fort Ashby, Danielle Cosenza, and a team composed of chefs from Nemacolin Woodlands Resort of Pennsylvania and Walnut Inn of Cumberland.
Any others wishing to participate are welcome, and may sign up by calling Brooke-Alt at 304-298-3760.
Participants are required to have a foodhandler's permit.
A variety of other activities are also scheduled for that day, including an auction of donated items to include West Virginia University football tickets, certificates for dinner-for-two at numerous area restaurants, ski lift tickets from Canaan Valley, coin collection sets, gift baskets, and more.
A raffle for $250, $150 or $50 will also be held, with the winner to be announced at approximately 4 p.m.
A new attraction this year will be the opportunity to have someone “jailed,” with the intention of having them raise “bail” to benefit the cause.
Music will be provided by the band Appalachia and singer Donna Borho.
Of course, visitors to the Feast Off will have the opportunity to participate in many of the regular activities offered at Brookedale, including the corn maze (based this year on a “Wild Wild West” theme), a Playhouse Street for the kids, a peddle cart track, a Little People Park with slides and swings, hayrides, and more.
Admission to the Feast Off is $3 for food and music and $6 for food, music, the maze, a hayride, and other activities.
Brookedale also continues to book tours for area schools, and interested persons may call 304-298-3760.
FORT ASHBY, W.Va. —
