The 26th Annual Gourmet Gala that benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton was personal for Cathy Reppert of Truly Scrumptious Cafe and Cake Studio in Kingston.
A decade ago, Ms. Reppert had a nephew near Philadelphia who often required hospitalization from birth to age 4 due to a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and whose family often used the services of a Ronald McDonald House there.
"So, it (the annual gala) has special meaning to our family," Ms. Reppert, a cake artist, said during the event Sunday at Genetti Manor in Dickson City.
The gala, which annually packs the house with around 1,200 people, is the largest fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton at 332 Wheeler Ave., and has raised more than $1 million since its inception, Richard Bradshaw, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, has said.
All proceeds of the gala go to operate the facility that over the years has helped 10,000 families by providing housing and support for families while their children are hospitalized, as well as by offering rooms inside local hospitals where families can rest during patient visits.
The theme of this year's gala was "Aloha Hawaii" and the banquet hall was decked out in island decor.
More than 50 area restaurants and wineries provided food for the gala that included tropical dishes and more-traditional fare.
A crew of around 100 volunteers participate to make the gala go, said event co-chairwomen Carol Chisdak and Carole Rosencrance.
"It's a fabulous event," Ms. Chisdak said.
Marilyn Kellam of Scranton, who was attending her third annual gala, agreed, saying "It (proceeds) goes to a good cause and the food is excellent."
Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter