One to One Mentoring Hosts “Top Chef”

04 Aug One to One Mentoring Hosts “Top Chef”

Research has shown that the single most important factor in a child’s success is his or her connection to a caring adult. One to One San Miguel Mentoring Program targets at-risk youth in Telluride, Mountain Village, Norwood, Naturita, and Nucla, pairing them with mentors who help guide their social, emotional, and academic development.

One to One was formed in 1993 by Telluride locals and still-standing Board Members, John Mansfield and Allen Gerstle. John was the Juvenile Diversion Officer and Allen was the Director of Social Services. In dealing with children and families in crisis, the two saw a need for a mentoring organization in the community. One to One began as a branch of Delta-Montrose Partners, and later worked under the umbrella of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of La Plata County. In 1999, the Board of Directors created the independent mentoring organization known as One to One.

Starting with only 35 children, One to One has since served hundreds of youth in San Miguel County through a variety of enrichment programs tailored to address a diverse array of needs plus scholarships.

“Young people come to the program each with their own unique needs,” shared Kelley. “Whether its financial hardship, death in the family, academic struggles, at-risk behavior, emotional challenges, college and career planning, we carefully screen and match local youth who benefit from having a consistent and caring adult in their lives.”

One to One San Miguel Mentoring Program announces its fourth annual fundraiser, Wine & Beer Tasting & Top Chef Competition featuring the new “Taste of Telluride.” The event takes place Friday, August 9, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the Peaks Resort & Spa, Mountain Village, Telluride, Colorado. The event is made possible by the generous title sponsor, Alpine Bank.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a great way to enjoy creative cuisine and libations while supporting the One to One Mentoring Program,”  stated Tara Kelley, Executive Director. “The event has helped One to One Mentoring raise much needed funds to continue matching youth in our area with adult mentors that maintain a consistent presence in their lives.”

The evening will take guests on a culinary tour of the area paired with wines, beer, and cocktails.

Take a walk down Culinary Row to experience scrumptious delights from La Cocina de Luz, the Little Bar at Lumiere, Floradora, Honga’s, Rustico, Over the Moon, Oak, Smugglers, Telluride Catering Creations, Village Table, Zest, Brown Dog Pizza,The Angler Inn, and more.

Watch the Top Chef Competition as Roscoe Kane from Floradora defends his 2012 Top Chef title against Lucas Price of La Cocina de Luz, Haley Jane from the Little Bar at Lumiere, and Dustin Smith from Honga’s Lotus Petal.

Guests have an opportunity to sample wine and spirits from a variety of purveyors including: Arroyo, Grand Vin, Rodney Strong, RNDC wines, and Silverado.

Local breweries such as Telluride Brewing and Oskar Blues are serving up their award winning beers.

This year, Arroyo Fine Art Gallery & Bar generouslysponsored a favor, a special wine glasses to celebrate the event. Use it to toast the event and other celebrations for years to come.

For those needing a pick-me-up after all the tasting and imbibing, Tomboy Coffee Roasters will be sampling some of their brews. There are also sinfully good desserts on hand.

Telluride Top Chef draws an audience of restaurant-goers, connoisseurs, wine lovers, locals, second-homeowners, and visitors. All proceeds from the event benefit One to One San Miguel Mentoring, the only nonprofit addressing the needs of at-risk young people in San Miguel County. Your donation will make a difference and is very much appreciated.

One to One Mentoring is still looking for volunteers and silent auction items. To get involved or donate, contact One to One Mentoring at 970-728-0885 or online at www.onetoonetelluride.org.

Tickets are available at Alpine Bank, Telluride Bottle Works, or online at this link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/262195

For a preview, watch this video from the 2010 event: