FORT PIERCE — Save the Chimps (STC,) the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is thrilled to host its 5th annual fundraiser Chimps Kitchen: A Celebrity Chef Food Tasting event on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6-9 p.m. at Cobalt, located in the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.
Save the Chimps is home to 261 chimpanzees rescued from biomedical research laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade. Its newest resident, Terry, was rescued last month from a private zoo in Las Vegas and is being introduced to new friends after 18 years of living alone.
The hope is to integrate him into a large family group so that he may live out his life on one of twelve 3.5 acre “islands in the sun,” that consist of trees, hills, climbing structures, and a hurricane proof building for shelter.
“After having the opportunity to tour Save the Chimps Sanctuary, I have been committed to reaching out to people making them aware of this amazing sanctuary so close to home.
I’ve served as Chimp’s Kitchen co-chair for the past 3 years, and will be co-chairing this year with Judy Van Saun.
Together, we are pleased to be helping this amazing organization raise the much needed funds to care for the residents at STC,” said event co-chair Laura Guttridge.
“Our goal at Save the Chimps is to provide each of our residents, old and new, the peaceful and dignified retirement they deserve after years of exploitation.
As we celebrate our 5th annual Chimps Kitchen event, we celebrate the invaluable support from the community. It is their generosity that helps make our work possible,” said Triana Romero, Director of Communication for Save the Chimps.
This sophisticated event, with live, irresistible rhythms and African beats, will feature a selection of delicious vegetarian and seafood tastings created and donated by local celebrity chefs including:
Chef Stephan Becht and Chef Brian Jones of Windsor
Bobbys – Chef Ron Adams
Frosting – Pastry Chefs Ashlee and Ryan Wykoff
Cobalt – Chef Micheal Van Buskirk
Culinary Capers – Chef Dan Graham
The Moorings – Chef Ben Tench
Quail Valley – Sous Chef Nick Bradbury
The event also includes beer, wine, and features a specialty drink with a Save the Chimps flare: banana daiquiris sponsored by Cruzan Banana Rum.
A wonderful assortment of silent auction items will be available for purchase, including original paintings created by chimpanzee residents and collaborative art between primates, human and chimpanzee.
All funds raised directly benefit the 261 chimpanzees living at Save the Chimps.
Tickets are $100 per person; $175 per couple.
Please contact Save the Chimps by calling (772) 429-2225 or by emailing Events@SaveTheChimps.org.
To learn more about Save the Chimps, please visit the website at www.SaveTheChimps.org or www.Facebook.com/SaveTheChimps.