Six Courses for a Cure is the result of the creative genius of Roger Thomas, Executive Chef at the Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Pete Olsen, a partner in Purple Feet Distributing located in Macedonia, Ohio.

After meeting Gerry and Marti Cowden at a family celebration and hearing the story of their daughter Meredith and her courageous battle against leukemia, Roger and Pete suggested the idea of a wine dinner to benefit the Meredith A. Cowden Foundation.

Both Pete and Roger have hosted and participated in many wine dinners to raise funding for charities and worthwhile causes in northeast Ohio, specifically the Akron area where they are located and the Cowdens live.

Six Courses for a Cure with Roger Thomas at the helm as the coordinating chef will be the third scheduled fundraiser of the year for the Cowden Foundation. This new and exciting event will be held in the beautiful 300 seat capacity ballroom at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres created by all of the participating chefs. The incredible six course dinner will be prepared by Chef Brendan Meeker of Glenmoor Country Club, Chef Rick Carson of Nosh Eatery and Creative Catering, Chef Brian Goodman of The Greenhouse Tavern, Chef Jeff Jarrett of AMP 150, Cleveland Airport Marriott, Chef Kevin Altomare of Hudson’s and 3foodies.com and Chef Roger Thomas of Piatto Novo, the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls.

Pete Olsen has confirmed four winemakers including Andre’ Crisp of  John Anthony Wines; Matt Meyer of Meyer Family Cellars; Mike Kasper of South American Imports and 41 North Imports; and Tom Doran of Davis Wine Imports who will pair their wines with the fabulous and unforgettable fare.

The cost to attend this black tie optional event is $150 per person including valet parking.

One Chefs’ VIP Table will be offered at $3,500 for a table of eight. It will include personal attention by each of the chefs as well as a very special gift for each couple.

Four Winemakers Tables will be offered at $2,000 giving the opportunity to be seated with one of the participating winemakers. These tables will provide seating for eight in addition to the winemakers. The guests attending at this sponsor level will also receive a special memento of the evening.

The monies raised at this fabulous gourmet event will be used to fund a medical symposium dedicated to Graft vs Host Disease, its complex issues, research, education and resources available to patients and physicians. GvHD, which is a complication of a life-saving bone marrow transplant, results when the patient’s body is attacked by the new immune system created by the bone marrow transplant. Sadly, it can cause death if not controlled. This will be the only symposium in the world solely dedicated to this malady.

For more information you may contact the Meredith A. Cowden Foundation at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or or call (330) 864-1978.