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Check please! DC Restaurateurs Foot the Bill for Sick Kids
June 25, 2009
On June 22, 2009, the award-winning restaurateurs of Passion Food Hospitality LLC presented Children’s National Medical Center with a check for $38,000, monies raised at the fourth annual ComPassion Golf Tournament. To date, Passion Food Hospitality has raised more than $150,000 for Children’s National Medical Center.
Founding partners Chef Jeff Tunks, David Wizenberg, and Gus DiMillo agree great service is at the heart of the success of their business. They extend this core value into the community with an annual fundraiser. In 2006, the owners of DC Coast, TenPenh, Ceiba, Acadiana and PassionFish established the ComPassion Golf Tournament as a way for their company, clients, and colleagues to focus their fundraising efforts.
Passion Food Hospitality selected Children’s National Medical Center as their charity of choice because of its commitment to provide top-notch care to all families, regardless of their ability to pay. "When researching charities, we read an article about the hospital falling short of its fundraising goal and felt so strongly about supporting this cause," Wizenberg said. "Many of our chefs and Passion Food employees are parents themselves. This is a fun way for everyone to get outside and play a round of golf and score a hole-in-one for kids."
On April 27, 2009, golfers gathered at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, Virginia, for a friendly game. Afterwards, the duffers retired to PassionFish in nearby Herdon, Va., for a lavish post-game reception emceed by Steve Buckhantz, announcer for the Washington Wizards. Golfers enjoyed the hospitality PassionFish is known for: fine food and drink, as well as door prizes -- and some friendly ribbing. Passion Food Hospitality remains grateful to their major sponsors: Chile, Washington Whole Sale, Republic National, Mendelson & Mendelson and JRS.
"Pursuing the truest passions in food and wine" is the guiding philosophy of the Passion Food Hospitality partnership, which over the past seven years has pioneered a new breed of an American eatery where imaginative food and wine are accompanied by gracious hospitality, comfortable surroundings, and outstanding value.
Photographer: Fredde Lieberman
L to R: Scott Clime, Gus DiMillo, Amy Severino, Grace Easby-Smith, David Wizenberg, Jeff Tunks and Jordan Tunks.
Scott Clime: Wine and Beverage Director at Passion Food Hospitality
Gus DiMillo: Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
Amy Severino: Coordinator, ComPassion Golf Tournament
Grace Easby-Smith: Coordinator of Special Events, Childrens’ National Medical Center
David Wizenberg: Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
Jeff Tunks: Chef and Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
L to R: Scott Clime, Gus DiMillo, Amy Severino, Grace Easby-Smith, David Wizenberg, Jeff Tunks and Jordan Tunks.
Scott Clime: Wine and Beverage Director at Passion Food Hospitality
Gus DiMillo: Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
Amy Severino: Coordinator, ComPassion Golf Tournament
Grace Easby-Smith: Coordinator of Special Events, Childrens’ National Medical Center
David Wizenberg: Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
Jeff Tunks: Chef and Co-owner, Passion Food Hospitality
