2008 DINNER RECAP
5th Annual Star Shine: August 8-9, 2008
Location: Mississippi State University Raspet Flight Research Center
Celebrity Chef: Tim Creehan

J.R.R. Tolkein once said "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." The 2008 Star Shine 2 day event was proof to the validity of this statement. Held August 8th and 9th at the most unique Raspet Center in Starkville Missisiippi, participants attended 3 of the most tasteful and enjoyable events. Including culinary extraordinaire, glorious art and music that made you tap your toes and hummm a tune or two, the scholarship fundraising events were a tremendous success. Many educators of the arts and students of the arts from elementary age thru college will definitely benefit from the merriment so many experienced. As so many stated upon leaving, "We will mark our calendars for this time next year and will encourage all to attend." Please watch our website for the announcement of the next Star Shine... You will want to make your reservations early.

Let the Merriment Begin. Helping to make the weekend a total success: left to right kneeling- Co-Chair Paige Lawes, Committee Member Danny Holland, Co-Chair Michelle Amos, 2nd Row: Committee Member Robin Fant, MAC Executive Director and Friday Cook-Off Judge Malcolm White, Nationally known artist and author and Friday Cook-off Judge Wyatt Waters, SAAC President Briar Jones, Co-Chair Andy Gaston 3rd Row: Director of Aerospace Engineering-MSU Tony Vizzini and Host Star Shine Chef Tim Creehan, nationally known Chef and author

Judging from the picture, it took intense deliberation amongst the esteemed judges on who was the Knock-Out Chef Final Results: Best Taste and Best Originality: Chef Ty Thames of Restaurant Tyler Best Presentation: Vickie Leach representing Viking Best of the Star Shine (voted by the attendees) Carnell McGee of Harvey's A round of applause for Jay Yates of The Veranda and Terri Rodgers of Doe's Eat Place for their delicious entries.

Chef Carnell McGee with Harvey's Restaurant was a knock out with attendees to the Knock-Out Chef Cook Off on Friday Night. He was voted the "Best of Star Shine" for his delectable citrus marinated Alaskan halibut stuffed with lobster and lump crab over baby greens topped with basil oil and tomato compote...

Besides a stupendous 5 course gourmet dinner with complimentary wines prepared by the Celebrity Chef Tim Creehan, attendees also enjoyed an 80 piece art exhibit and sale presented by some of Mississippi's finest artists at Saturday night's Star Shine Dinner.

Celebrity Chef Tim Creehan was definitely Star Shine material. Autographing his popular cookbook Simple Cuisine with help from co-chair Michelle Amos was only one of his many activities with attendees. Friday night found him judging in the Knock-Out Chef Cook Off to attending the early Saturday morning brunch for local supporters of the SAAC, to instructing a 2 hour cooking class for 32 avid cooks and ending Saturday with preparing a 5 course gourmet dinner with special wine pairings for over 100 guests. SAAC applauds Chef Tim Creehan and thanks him for his assistance in helping make Star Shine 2008, benefitting SAAC's Scholarships a tremendous success.

There were ooh's and aah's heard around the hanger as guests on Saturday night approached their tables decorated for royalty by Wanda Thorne. As the 5 course gourmet dinner drew to an end, oohs and aahs had changed to sounds of content and laughter was infectious. It was definitely a time of merriment brought about by good food and good cheer.