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Here’s a thought: consider attending the 12th annual Women’s Chef Showoff. You might just allow a victim of domestic violence a night at a safe haven.

Local chef Yvette Bonanno (Yvette Marie’s, Taste and Bonanno’s Fine Catering) is once again coordinating the event schedule February 1, 2007 at the Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center. Proceeds support the Capital Area Battered Women’s Program.

Domestic violence routinely rises in the months and years after a major catastrophe, like hurricane Katrina, and the burden placed on small nonprofits like the Battered Women’s Program, which run shelters and help women resettle, is massive. According to the U.S. Justice Department, one-third of women murdered in the U.S. are done so by a current or former intimate. In Louisiana, more than 20,000 women and children seek help each year at family violence shelters. Victims in our state represent every economic level and are almost evenly split along racial lines.

For the money you’d probably spend anyway on a night out ($50 a person), you can sample the creations of more than 30 regional chefs including hardworking women like Bonanno and past participants like Tanya Dillon, Dillon Professional Catering; Margo Bouanchaud Hayes, Margo E. Bouanchaud, Inc.; Nannette Mayhall, Nannette Mayhall Desserts; Michele Cassano, Primo's Steakhouse; Celeste Gill, Taylor Made Gourmet; and Susan Strange, Unique Cuisine. Lots of others, including hardworking male chefs, too.

The event also features a 100-item silent auction and music by Jazz Nurse Betsy Braud. Tables go for $450 and for each one sold, there’s free champagne. The event is from 6-9 pm.

For tickets or more information, call the Battered Women’s Shelter at 389-3001 or visit stopdv.org.