Help Chef Beat Cancer

I didn't know why Chef has been on my heart for the last few days, but after reading Bill's message I now know why.  I met Chef first thing in the morning the day of the tournament at Elk, just after I brewed a fresh pot of coffee.  I barely saw him through the dark, hanging out around  his campsite which was next to mine.  I asked him if he wanted a cup of coffee but he didn't hear me, so I walked right up to him and asked.  He said it was better then the weak excuse for the brew someone made inside! He told me he was a chef at the Culinary Institute in Monterey (just then I was glad I used an Italian coffee press!). Later that afternoon he let me know of the  fresh ceviche that he had just put out in the kitchen, and it was going fast.  Great guy.  I have family in from Illinois that will be dining at the Culinary Institute in Napa tonight, and I've been thinking about Chef a lot the last few days, wondering what it would be like to be a chef at a place like Napa or Monterey.  I've been thinking about him as well, and what a great guy he is.  It's no coincidence that he's been on my heart.  He and his mom will be in my prayers.  I'll enlist the help of Pastor Brent as well (Pondsurf, the redhead that took 2nd place at Elk last year!). 

I have to say that I'm very impressed with how fast this group can kick in funds to help a friend in need in a short period of time.  There aren't many groups as generous as you all.  It is a great thing to see.

Chef, I echo Max's sentiments... You're in my thought's and prayers every day and I have my Church praying for you as well. 

We all wish we could help you more with the fight that you're in... hopefully some $ can help you maintain your focus on fighting this thing and remove one or two financial distractions. 

Be strong! 

EK

Thank you for facilitating this, Bill

If anyone has some good used kayak gear why not donate that to the raffle as well?
I have a brand new Harmony high back seat with a removeable backpack/fanny pack which attaches to the back of it. I will donate it to the raffle.

I agree.  Let's all try to kick something in!

I am hereby donating TWO (that's 2) cases (separate prizes of 1 each) of custom beer for this raffle.

MolBasser

When I first found this site I thought it was cool because you sorta get to know people without ever having met them. When I started reading Chef's posts they just hit me in a special way and I couldn't wait to meet him. I met Chef briefly at the Ono's last year and recently got to hang out with him for  a couple of days at Elk. Quite inspiring he fished all day Friday in big seas came up the hill took over the cleaning table schooling us all in filleting then with Chuck cooked for us all till dark then did a repeat on Derby day. Chef you and your Mom hang in there, I'm looking forward to celebrating your WSB and YT. You will both be in my thoughts everyday.                                                                                          Mike

Chef ,wish you and mom a speedy recovery.  :smt006Everybody on this site is awesome. Man I love this site! Aside from financial I'm  willing to help other way too.

I have been in Europe the past ten days. Chuck updated me upon my return.

Chef, we're with you man!! Keep up the hard fight. You've been an inspiration to us all and we are here to help and support you in the ways that we can. Will say a little prayer for you and Mom.

All the suggested fund raising ideas are great. Count on me to help.

After reading this I was deeply saddend. I am trying to come up with more than just a donation.  I plan on Running a Marathon in July of next year, yes a long way off, but I was going to run it for the Cancer association.  I would Rather run it for Chef and give him the proceeds. However I don't know how to set up a personal contribution fund that sponsors can donate money to.  If anyone is had Ideas on this or would like to join me.  Mooch! then please let me know.

Chef hang in there and keep fighting!!!!!!!!!

Jason

If anyone is had Ideas on this or would like to join me.  Mooch! then please let me know.

....Jason, since I can no longer run (except when the cops are chasing me )....I'd like to get our brothers and sisters from Western Sea Kayakers involved - with the help of Chuck and Bill. Maybe we can do "a paddle for a cause" - dedicated to Chef. I know for a fact that Chef is not just a great fisherman but one a heck of a paddler himself so I think it would be nice to get as much "paddlers" together and maybe do a nice scenic paddle along our coast or even the Bay....maybe this way, we can get friends & family members involved as well. Again, with more people involved, we can hopefully raise more money for our comrad AND get more people aware of Cancer in general.

Chuck and I did a Kayak Fishing seminar with them a few months back and we were recieved well. I think it would be beneficial for these two groups  together and fight a worthy battle.

I will keep everyone in the loop

I've always wanted to do a paddle from Santa Cruz to Moss Landing or even (gasp) Monterey.

This would be a cool benifit.  SC to Moss paddle for Chef.  Maybe?

MolBasser

I did SC to Monterey in a 17ft fiberglass closed deck kayak.  It would be absolutely grueling in a shorter plastic sit on top.  I wanted to paddle my plastic closed deck yak, Monterey Bay Kayak wouldn't let me and loaned me the lower volume glass rig instead.  Much faster.

Hi Chef. 

Yeah, that is why I figured SC to Moss would be better.

MolBasser

whatever is decided I am in. I'm still running though

jason

....it would also be cool if we all wore this =