The Rolling Pin in Brandon, Fla., hosted the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) "Gives Back" Charity Event on March 11 to help benefit The Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, a historical establishment damaged in the hurricanes that needs to replenish funds for their endowment. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium raised $4,165 during their event and through cash contributions.

Rolling Pin provided pantry and recipe ingredients, table linens and decorations to round out the total experience for the cooking class guests while TransAtlantic Wines and Spirits donated the wines, and Fruit of the Boot and US Foods through their vendors donated many food ingredients for the event. The contributions of these companies allowed all proceeds to be directly donated to The Crescent City Farmers Market.

Thanks to the 20 class participants who paid from $100 to $175 per seat, the goal to exceed $3,000 was more than met. Cash donations from Savory Adventures, two cooking class instructors, counter canister collections and one very generous Rolling Pin customer all went to enhance the total sum generated for the benefit of The Crescent City Farmers Market.

Chef Dave West and the Rolling Pin staff coordinated the event, volunteer staff and the other seven renowned chefs as they presented eight delicious dishes. All of the chefs donated their time and experience to ensure the event was a huge success.

Members of the IACP Cooking School Section will raise $30,000 during March 2008 for this cause by hosting cooking classes around the world.

To learn more about "IACP GIVES BACK," visit www.iacp.com.