Chef William Turner
Although high winds and light rain were predicted, they never materialized as the community turned out Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28, to show their appreciation to retired Blythewood High School Chef William Turner, who established the BHS culinary arts program seven years ago. Since that time it has flourished under his guidance, but because of health issues, Chef Turner has had to retire to focus on his medical treatment.
The event was set in the gardens of Reese’s Plants on Wilson Boulevard as a benefit for the Turner family as they face mounting expenses associated with that treatment.
Some of the Blythewood and the Columbia area’s finest chefs manned tents and tables from 4 to 7 p.m., offering samples of delicious foods, from veggie sliders to roasted quail. Turner’s friends, co-workers and former students paid $15-$25 per person for the food-sample tour.
But the evening wasn’t just about food. Two for the Road entertained and Winnsboro artist Christie Buchanan’s whimsical artwork was displayed among the flowering plants and trees. It also showed up on a charming potting shed at the entrance to the gardens.
An archway of festive blue and white balloons, provided by Balloons, Arches & Flowers of Columbia, welcomed guests along the entry path and balloons flew atop the food tents.
Guests dined and visited at formal tables throughout the garden. Joe Pinner emceed and as soon as everyone saw the great raffle prizes, they were buying raffle tickets by the handful.
It was a wonderful sunny afternoon with lots of visiting and eating in an enchanting setting. It was a unique culinary event befitting ‘The Chef.’
