Photos: Chamber of Commerce Hosts Ninth Annual "Culinary Delights" Fundraiser

East Meadow business owners and residents gathered Monday at for an evening of Culinary Delights - the Chamber of Commerce's annual fundraiser dedicated to local charities.

Participating restaurants ranged from Culinary Delights veterans , and to newer establishments like , Taste of Home and .

Janine Kelly, a key organizer of the annual event and former Chamber of Commerce president, said the fundraiser is essential to East Meadow, and brings the community together for a night of fun.

"It really shows a sense of community," Kelly said. "It shows awareness and unity. Instead of raising money in a school setting, people are here having fun and enjoying themselves for a worthy cause."

Proceeds from Monday's event will be donated to five charities that the Chamber of Commerce considers close to home - , the Autism Society, Junior Diabetes Research Fund, Kiwanis Club and the PTA Council.

Mitchell Skoller, owner of A&M Supplies Network that serves East Meadow and Bellmore, has attended the fundraiser since its inception.

"I've been coming here for nine years," he said. "It's a great event to bring people together and expose local businesses."

Frantoni's chef Peter Bruce felt that Culinary Delights is a generous event that deserves as much involvement as possible. The East Meadow pizzeria-restaurant returned Monday for its third year.

"Tonight is great because it supports charities that deserve the money," Bruce said. "We like to support the local community and economy."