News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ashli Bobo
BERLINE
248-593-7436
abobo@berline.com
The Symons Family to Receive 2009 CRUSH Northern Michigan
“Restaurateur Humanitarian Award”
Troy, Mich., July 27, 2009 – Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, a statewide agency
whose mission is to help families cope with leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood disorders, is
proud to present the 2009 “Restaurateur Humanitarian Award” to the Symons family. Chandler
Symons III will accept the award on behalf of the family at the 2009 CRUSH Northern Michigan
Wine & Food Classic on Saturday, August 15, 2009. The event will take place from 6 PM to
12 AM at the private Boyne Falls home of Kathryn Kircher.
The “Restaurateur Humanitarian Award” recognizes individuals for their overall excellence in the
food and hospitality industry, as well as their extraordinary contributions to the community.
The Symons family has been a fixture in the Northern Michigan community for more than 50
years. Their family roots are in their family general store founded in 1956 by the late Chandler
“Tom” Symons II as a family business with the first Symons General Store located at Boyne
Mountain. Chandler Symons III now operates the family general store in Petoskey, the awardwinning
Chandler’s Restaurant in Petoskey, and Pierson’s restaurant in Boyne Falls. Symons is
also the new owner of Bay Harbor restaurant cava. He credits the success of all the family
businesses to two things: the hard work of his parents, who built the family business, acquiring
and maintaining its reputation for high quality products and service; and the “amazingly talented”
people who have come to work with him.
The Symons family has tirelessly demonstrated their commitment to philanthropy and
supporting Michigan charities and organizations. They have contributed to the Northern
Michigan Hospital, Crooked Tree Arts Council, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Christ
Child, and the Bay Harbor Foundation, among others. Through the Symons family’s generosity,
these worthwhile organizations are able to continue their missions.
“It is a privilege to honor the Symons family with the 2009 Restaurateur Humanitarian Award, as
part of the CRUSH 2009 Northern Michigan event. They have made it a priority to give back to
the community and Michigan charities and we applaud them for their efforts,” William Seklar,
President and CEO of Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
Modeled after CRUSH Birmingham, CRUSH Northern Michigan will offer the novice and
connoisseur alike the opportunity to savor the very best food and wine while enjoying the
timeless beauty and charm of Northern Michigan. Kircher’s home features an elegant ambiance
in a picturesque setting along the Boyne River. The evening will feature a second-to-none
experience including extraordinary wines paired with regional cuisine, river tours, a relaxing
bonfire, bocce ball, croquet, live entertainment from Urban Folk Sweetheart, Erin Ivey, and
dancing under the moonlight with DJ Mike Anthony.
Participating in the event will be Napa, California-based Proprietors, Vicki and Tom Celani of
Celani Family Vineyards, the Honorary Family Vineyards for 2009 and Igor Larionov of Igor
Larionov Selections, Also participating will be Master Sommelier and 2009 Honorary Wine
Director for CRUSH Northern Michigan, Ron Edwards. The Honorary Executive Chef for the
evening will be Jeremy Kittelson, Executive Chef of Restaurant Avondale in Vail, Colorado.
The list of honored guests also names culinary masters from around Michigan, including
Chandler Symons III, owner of award-winning Chandler’s Restaurant in Petoskey, Pierson’s at
Boyne Mountain Resort and new owner of Bay Harbor restaurant cava; John Korycki, Chef and
Owner of ZaZio’s Modern Italian Experience in Kalamazoo; Karen and Roger Williams, Chef
and Proprietors of Galley Gourmet in Bay Harbor; Marit Kaszubowski of the Bay Harbor Yacht
Club; Carol Costello, Chef/Proprietor of Costello Catering in Harbor Springs; Eric Patterson,
Chef of The Cooks’ House and Wellington Street Market in Traverse City, and Elizabeth Glass
and Chris Meyer, Proprietors of Lake Street Market in Boyne City.
Bryan Ulrich, wine expert and Owner of Left Foot Charley will be featured during CRUSH
Northern Michigan. Other wineries and importers highlighted during the event: Elite/Leone
Distributors, Empson USA, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Gill’s Pier, and Weygandt-Metzler
Imports. Other sponsors include Grand Traverse Distillery with specialty vodka and Michigan
Brewing will debut the famed Kid Rock Bad Ass beer.
Tickets for the event are $1,500 per couple. Proceeds from CRUSH Northern Michigan will
support programs and services for Northern Michigan patients and families affected by
leukemia, lymphoma and other related blood disorders. For additional information about
CRUSH Northern Michigan, visit www.crush2009.com or contact event producer Jaime Rae
Turnbull at 248-672-2020.
About Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a statewide agency helping families cope with
leukemia, lymphoma and related disorders by providing information, financial assistance and
emotional support. In addition, the Foundation has provided more than $6.5 million in research
dollars to Michigan’s comprehensive cancer institutes. Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, call 1-800-825-2536 or visit
www.leukemiamichigan.org.
# # #
