Motown Macdown
a macaroni and cheese throwdown amongst Detroit's finest chefs benefiting Justin's Vision

Set amidst the front room of One-Eyed Betty's in Ferndale on the evening of Wednesday, December 5th, seven of Detroit's legendary chefs will demonstrate their culinary prowess with a soulful classic: macaroni and cheese.We're talking about the kings of mac, the cheese to our macaroni, the crème de la crème, the pioneers of comfort foods including macaroni mavens:

1. Chef Brian Polcyn of Forest Grill (2011 Macdown Champion)
2. Chef Ray Backers of Town Tavern
3. Chef Daniel Watts of Bakers Keyboard Lounge
4. Chef Dan Campbell of Bella Piatti
5. Chefs Dan and Lindsay Gearig of Mac Shack
6. Chef Ricky McCormick of Local Kitchen & Bar
7. Chef George Vutetakis, Garden Fresh Salsa
8. Chef Emmele Herrold, One-Eyed Betty's

If you're a purveyor of soul food, don't leave your appetite behind. There's plenty of food to seduce your tastebuds including baked goods from Ethel's Edibles, Zoup's signature soups, original ice cream from Hudsonville Ice Cream and specialty sandwiches from the Panini Press, a perfect complement to cheesy mac.

The all-star line-up judging the event includes:

• Alan Longstreet, Fox 2 News
  
• Michael Stone, 97.1 the Ticket
• Bill Mcallister, 97.1 the Ticket
• Paradime, Hip Hop Artist & Kid Rock's Touring DJ
• Angela Venditti, Miss Michigan
• Executive Chef Aaron Cozadd, Union Joints
• Dean Bach, Restaurateur du Force of Dino's Lounge
  

The soulful evening begins at six, with blues and jazz from the RJ Spangler Trio and Friends spilling onto the streets of Ferndale. Let the deep double bass beckon you towards musical nirvana.

The most special part of the entire event is the reason it exists: a chance to raise awareness and donations for Justin's Vision.

The Story

21-year-old Michael Hermansen stood on stage last year, bravely sharing his heart-wrenching story of how this non-profit came to be. The year was 2006. Michael’s 12-year-old brother, Justin, had been diagnosed with brain cancer and wasn’t given much time to live. Having had the chance to meet the family (and because they’re such extreme humanitarians), Jack and Annette Aronson and Dave Zilko of Garden Fresh sent the Hermansens to Give Kids the World in Orlando, Florida, a 70-acre resort where children with life-threatening illnesses, along with their families, can enjoy a carefree vacation experience. It was a magical time for all of them and one Michael will cherish forever.

Shortly upon returning, young Justin passed away.

To this day, that trip is something Michael holds near and dear to his heart. Justin’s Vision took root in 2011 when Michael decided to dedicate his life’s work to sending children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to Give Kids the World.

For more information, visit us at justinsvision.org.