The spirit of community, compassion, and culinary creativity came together in unforgettable fashion as more than 250 guests gathered for the 21st annual Culinary Capers fundraiser at Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn in New Philadelphia, benefiting patient care at Ohio’s Hospice.  

Hosted by a dedicated volunteer committee — Lindsay Tidrick, Kelly Rager, Jessica Marsh, Alex Geers, Veronica Studer and Kourtney Perkowski — and led by Donor Relations & Special Events Coordinator Kelsie Gunnoe, this year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary. 

From the moment guests arrived, the evening radiated warmth and gratitude. Attendees were treated to an impressive showcase of fine foods prepared and donated by an incredible lineup of local chefs and restaurants. The culinary talent included Graze Me Catering, Dola Jeans, Texas Roadhouse, Totally Rad Foods, Chef Cameron Krahel, Chef Rocco of Pomerene Hospital, Hog Heaven, Lee’s Famous Recipe, El Hefe Restaurant, Miller’s Creamery, Dutch Valley Restaurant and Bakery, Maggoo’s Pizza, Pasta &More, D’Orazio’s Bakery, Litty’s Cakes &Cookies, Kathy West Cabbage, Catherine Levengood and Friends with Filipino cuisine, and Warunta Jantamas with Thai cuisine. Their generosity — and their delicious creations — set the tone for a night filled with joy and purpose. 

The event also marked the launch of phase one of a special call to action: Upgrading the beloved water feature on the grounds of the Truman House in New Philadelphia. The community’s enthusiasm for this project was evident throughout the evening. 

A Tribute That Touched Every Heart 

One of the most meaningful moments came as the room paused to honor longtime supporter Jerry Marlowe. With his family present, the committee and auctioneer team paid tribute in a way Jerry would have loved — by donning his iconic hats and auctioning off a can of Spam, a playful tradition for which he was known. What followed was a wave of heartfelt bidding that brought the entire crowd to its feet. The can of Spam sold for an astonishing $10,000, with all proceeds dedicated to the new water feature and memorial wall. It was a moment of laughter, tears, and deep appreciation for a man whose legacy continues to inspire generosity. 

A Young Artisan Inspires Remarkable Giving 

Another highlight came during the finale of the live auction, featuring the craftsmanship of Cooper Winters, a former attendee of Ohio’s Hospice bereavement camp. Cooper, supported by Dan Warther, created a hand-carved serving tray and two cutting boards to benefit the camp that once supported him. The audience responded with overwhelming enthusiasm: The tray and first cutting board each sold for $21,000, and the final board sold for $3,000, bringing in an incredible $45,000 for bereavement services. The room erupted in applause, moved by Cooper’s talent and the community’s generosity. 

A Night for the Record Books 

With leadership in attendance — including Kent Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Ohio’s Hospice; Lori Igel, President of Ohio’s Hospice Foundation and Travis Mlakar, President of the Ohio’s Hospice Foundation Board of Directors — the evening’s success was celebrated with heartfelt gratitude. Before expenses, the event raised more than $217,000, making it one of the most successful Culinary Capers in its 21-year history. 

A Community That Continues to Show Up 

The Ohio’s Hospice Foundation and the Culinary Capers committee extends its warmest thanks to every donor, sponsor, chef, volunteer, and attendee. Your generosity created not only a record-breaking fundraiser, but an evening filled with connection, remembrance, and hope. Culinary Capers 2026 will be remembered not just for its impressive totals, but for the love and community spirit that made it all possible.