‘Cheers to Twenty Years’ celebration features teen’s $21,000 tribute and record-breaking call to action. 

A teenager who found healing through Ohio’s Hospice grief camps gave back to the organization in an extraordinary way when his handcrafted cutting boards sold for $21,000 at the 20th annual Culinary Capers fundraiser April 26. 

Cooper Winter’s donation was among the highlights of the evening at Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn, where 230 community members gathered to support Ohio’s Hospice. The event raised $158,000 for patient care and bereavement programs. 

“Cooper’s story represents what makes our mission of Celebrating Life’s Stories^® so meaningful,” said a spokesperson for Ohio’s Hospice. “After participating in our grief camps, he wanted to give back to help other families receive the superior care and superior services they need during life’s most difficult moments.” 

The cutting boards, crafted by Winter specifically for the auction, drew spirited bidding from attendees who recognized both their quality and the powerful story behind them. 

The event also honored Carol Ault, an original committee member who has supported Culinary Capers since its inception two decades ago. Her dedication has helped the event grow from a small gathering to one of the organization’s signature fundraisers. 

“This community’s support allows us to provide compassionate end-of-life care regardless of a family’s ability to pay,” the spokesperson said. “Every dollar raised tonight directly impacts our ability to serve patients and families throughout our region.” 

As a not-for-profit, community-based organization, Ohio’s Hospice relies on events like Culinary Capers to supplement the cost of care and expand bereavement services, including the grief camps that helped Winter process his loss. 

The 21st annual Culinary Capers is scheduled for April 18, 2026, at Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn. 

We’re deeply grateful to our Platinum sponsors: Alfred and Maryann Fearon, The Commercial & Savings Bank, Eagle Machinery and Supply, Miller Studio Inc., ProVia, Quanex IG Systems Inc., Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn, Stutzman’s Lawn & Landscaping, Trudy Sensel (in loving memory of Bob Sensel), Warther Cutlery, and Wendy’s; our Food Station sponsor Springvale Health Centers; and all our Silver and Bronze sponsors. 

Special thanks to our dedicated committee – Lindsey Tidrick, Kelly Rager, Jessie Marsh, Alex Geers, Denise Petitte, and Veronica Studer – our auctioneers Steve Cronebaugh and Bob Hall, and to Carol Ault, who we honored for founding this event 20 years ago.