The 2010 Annual Kitchen Walk benefiting Designs for Dignity (d4d), raised more than $50,000 and was attended by 350 guests who experienced a day of culinary delight in Harbor Country, Mich. on Oct. 16.

The afternoon extravaganza showcased innovative private kitchens throughout Harbor Country in which local chefs demonstrated their culinary expertise and guests were able to taste dishes ranging from Latin inspired grilled chicken & beans to cider braised pork sandwiches with apple chutney. Guests were also able to learn new cooking tips, receive recipes and home design ideas, participate in wine tastings and bid on silent auction items such as wine tasting & dinner with Chef Greg and tickets to the 2011 Kitchen Walk.

“This incredible event keeps growing each year and we are so grateful to the dedication and enthusiasm of not only our board members, staff and event chairs, but the hundreds of people who continue to support this life-changing program,” said Wendy Cohen, d4d board member.

All proceeds will directly benefit d4d, a program that transforms the environments of area nonprofits that serve marginalized or endangered populations. Recent projects include working with interior designer Beverly Hammel of Beverly Hammel Kitchen & Bath to renovate a Chicago funeral home into a local Youth Program. Designs for Dignity also utilized quality lounge pieces and office furniture designed by Coalesse and placed them at local nonprofits such as Thelma’s Place and Chicago HOPES tutoring program.

DESIGNS FOR DIGNITY is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that serves area nonprofits that work with marginalized or at risk populations throughout Chicago. Its mission is to engage the design community and all of its resources to respond to those in need. Through the support of industry partners and vendors, Designs for Dignity is able to re-use the excess from the design industry on several projects.