The ACF Atlanta President’s Gala was held on Jan. 23 at the Hansen Group to celebrate the amazing chefs of ACF Atlanta and hand out the annual awards.
The 2021 awards and the presentation included and celebrated the following chefs:
Chef Charlie Hatney, ACF Atlanta Chefs Humanitarian of the Year
CEC from Hatney & Company for his dedication to feeding the Homeless, through his non-profit Mae’s Initiate. He continues to find innovative ways to help his community while spearheading the Daryl E.Evens Scholarship Fund.
Chef Cheryl Williams (TriCities High School), ACF Atlanta’s Chef Educator of the Year
Chef Cheryl always takes the time to introduce her students to new opportunities, culinary competitions, and community activities.
Branka Metz (North Georgia Technical College), Student of the Year
Metz volunteered and participated in several events, along with going to school, working full time and making quality time for her family. She is on her way to pursue a career in Baking & Pastry.
Chef Ashley Keyes, ACF Atlanta Chef of the Year
Her non-profit C.H.O.I.C.E.S and signature programs, including The Mobile Food Pantry and Zoom cooking classes, and snack and story time help Atlanta’s community and beyond. Chef Ashley will continue to provide Atlanta residents with various opportunities to feed their families.
Bill Ray (US Foods), ACF President’s Award
Ray’s leadership to the US Foods team, the southeastern region, and Giving Kitchen continue to make an impact in the community.
Smithfield Culinary, ACF Atlanta Partner of the Year
Smithfield’s new website and app have energized chefs to create new and exciting meals. Their continuous partnership with ACF Atlanta and chefs worldwide keeps the industry moving forward.
Chef Kurt Eisele (Kurt’s Euro Bistro in Duluth), The ACF Atlanta Chefs Lifetime Achievement Award
Chef Kurt has been involved with the ACF Atlanta Chefs since the mid-1960s. His resume includes restaurants downtown Atlanta, multiple country clubs, and owning and operating multiple restaurants of his own.
The final awards of the evening went to ACF Atlanta’s Chefs President Chef Nick Barrington, CEC and the ACF Atlanta Chefs Executive Director Polly Barrington. The two received the ACF Presidential Medallions from Kimberly Brock Brown, CEPC, CCA, AAC, the ACF National President.
The medallions represent excellence in culinary service, community engagement, building the chapter, collaboration with other ACF Chapters and partnerships, along with a passion for the culinary arts, and leadership.
Congratulations to all of the winners at this year’s ACF Atlanta President’s Gala. Please see some photos from the event below or click here to preview them all.
ACF Atlanta’s Chefs President Chef Nick Barrington and Chef Kurt Eisele.
Kimberly Brock Brown, CEPC, CCA, AAC, the ACF National President and ACF Atlanta Chefs Executive Director Polly Barrington.
Proof of the Pudding.
