The United Food Bank of Plant City raised about $6,000 in a silent auction Saturday during a benefit dinner at Hillsborough Community College's Trinkle Center. Celebrity chef Jon Ashton entertained the audience of about 250 people with a cooking demonstration as culinary students from Simmons Career Center and Plant City High School prepared and served a three-course meal under the direction of chef Ken Melton. (Full disclosure: I was emcee, meaning they raised six grand despite my performance.) Ashton raised more than $4,000 on his own by promising to cook a private dinner for 12. ...more

February 15, 2009

A collection of briefs about dining and cooking. ...more

February 11, 2009

The United Food Bank is still tallying up the figures, but it appears a fundraiser featuring celebrity chef Jon Ashton brought in at least $40,000. The venue, the Trinkle center on Hillsborough Community College's Plant City campus, was packed Saturday as Ashton entertained with wit and a cooking demonstration. Ashton, a frequent guest on NBC's "Today" show, also helped auction sports memorabilia. ...more

February 10, 2009

During the 1700s, miniature painting was a premier expression of the arts. ...more

February 4, 2009

The support was almost overwhelming. The end product was a playground for East Tampa children. ...more

February 4, 2009

Longtime Boy Scouting volunteer and businessman Dean Snyder will be honored Tuesday at an annual fundraiser to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, Gulf Ridge Council. ...more

January 28, 2009

The demand at the United Food Bank of Plant City has never been greater. ...more

January 28, 2009

Students streamed in and out of the student services building Jan. 20, wearing their message of hope for a brighter future. ...more

January 28, 2009

Students streamed in and out of the student services building Jan. 20, wearing their message of hope for a brighter future. ...more

January 28, 2009

The demand at the United Food Bank of Plant City has never been greater. ...more

January 25, 2009