A local celebrity chef is seeking support for an upcoming charity event that will benefit a decades-old Anacostia youth center that serves at-risk youth.
A former contestant on the Food Network’s hit show Sweet Genius and Washington D.C. native, Pastry Chef Padua “SugaChef” Player will host his First Annual Spilling the Tea With SugaChef: A Benefit Event for the Children of Mine Youth Center on July 22. His late aunt, Hannah Hawkins, started the non-profit after school program more than 30 years ago. She had a big heart for kids throughout the community and used the program to make sure at-risk youth were fed and supported.
“I wanted to pay homage to my mother and aunt,” said Player, who’s mother passed away months before his aunt Hawkins in 2015.
“I just want to do something to help because the center does so much for the community.”
For decades, the center has provided a safe, clean and structured environment for children across the D.C. metropolitan area. The program is based in Anacostia and is dedicated to providing opportunities for youth through love, security, education and communication. Some of the youth being served experience neglect, homelessness and come from homes where there is substance abuse. Player told WUSA9 about some of the center’s immediate needs.
“The center needs a new roof, they need crafts and other things, so I just want to help as much as I can,” he said.
Spilling the Tea with SugaChef will be a tea party event where ladies are asked to come donned in their finest hats and gloves. Men can wear casual attire. A portion of the proceeds will support the center.
The event will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Children of Mine Youth Center, located at 2263 Mount View Place in Southeast, D.C. from noon until 3 p.m.
For more information on the event and to purchase a ticket, visit the website here.
