Waukesha chef creates fundraising dinner for victims of parade tragedy
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Chef Pam Dennis was in Waukesha the night an SUV drove through the Christmas parade route. On Thursday evening, Dec. 2, she will be hosting a fundraising dinner to help those impacted by that tragedy.
"So today we are prepping and getting ready for our benefit: big stuffed lobster dinner," said Chef Pam Dennis.
For Chef Dennis, a good meal is like opening a door of opportunity.
"The fondest memories are made gathered around the table. I truly believe in food and fellowship," Dennis said.
Chef Pam Dennis
After the horrors Dennis witnessed on Sunday, Nov. 21, helping people, food first, is what came to mind.
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"We felt like we wanted to reach out and help wherever we could. Jen is an Army veteran, she was six years in the Army, and I am a retired Navy nurse. So we helped respond the day of the parade, and we had a lot of the people come in for safe-haven into our business as well," the chef said. "We felt like we wanted to give back and help all of the people that were involved."
A 50-person dinner, hosted inside her business, Chef Pam's Kitchen, costs $100 a plate. All proceeds from the night will go to the "United for Waukesha Community Fund."
"It was really heartwarming for me to see all the volunteers, and I couldn’t do this without them," Dennis said.
As they meal prep lobster, scallops, and other delicacies, the chef's mind is on the people donating produce, their time, and of course, her guests.
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"I always tell people that when you volunteer you get more, sometimes, than what you gave, and I feel that way," the chef said.
Chef Dennis said she is looking for volunteers to help Thursday night between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – washing dishes and helping serve food. If you would like to lend your time, you are invited to reach out.
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