Love And Other Bites

Bites for Golden Pear at Love Bites 2016. Pam Deutchman / www.society-in-focus.com

Loves comes in all shapes and sizes, but there's something inspiring about the love within a child. Perhaps it's the innocence in their hearts, the laughter in their voices, and the hope in their eyes. An evening to tempt tastebuds and warm hearts, the annual Love Bites benefit brings together the stories of two families and their selfless aim to cure pediatric cancer. Katy's Courage was founded in 2012 in memory of Katy Stewart who died at twelve years young in 2010 after falling victim to pediatric liver cancer. The monies raised through Katy's Courage funds local school scholarships for inspiring, empathetic students and pediatric cancer research based out of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. "[Katy] had a real empathy for so many other people," Katy's father, James Stewart, described. "She was bright, funny, and very loving." With a passion for the outdoors, specifically horseback riding, Katy's memory lives on through East End fundraisers including a 5K, classical concert, Skate-a-thon, and Love Bites. Chief Chef of Love Bites Peter Ambrose of Endless Summer Event Catering, along with event coordinator Linda Shapiro, approached Stewart to become part of the fundraiser, where he then met Jennifer James and heard the story of her daughter, Scarlett. "The love and outpouring of support both directly and indirectly was amazing . . . It's incredible how this came to be. We enjoy being involved. There's a lot of work behind the scenes but it's all worth it," said Stewart. Ambrose is the glue that pieced together these two families. "We put an event together to remember Katy and honor Scarlett . . . It also brought together your summer crowd and the large local crowd . . . It's a good match," he said. Ambrose has been very close with James Stewart for years and has become equally tied with the James family. "Both families are dear friends of mine. It's a great, great night." Scarlett James, an equine enthusiast like Katy, was diagnosed with Lymphoma at six years old. The Scarlett Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center aims to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research and raise money towards the research of novel targeted therapies, which reduce toxicity and long term side effects. Scarlett's story is still being told. After being in treatment for over two years she is now back in school and had her first hair cut a few short weeks ago, something most kids take for granted. "She's really come a long way. She's had a huge growth spurt, her eyes are sparkling . . . She's really happy," her mother explained. "The Scarlett Fund tries to empower children. It's so great for them to see Scarlett because she's gone through treatment, she's got her hair back, she's happy and she's a normal 10 year old. I think it's so great for these children and the parents to see what it looks like on the other end." Recently, Scarlett spoke with a Brownie troop regarding her experience as a cancer patient hoping to relate to others going through similar situations. She shared her dream of becoming a doctor, having the ability to care for patients through personal understanding. Scarlett serves as a constant reminder to hopeful families that miracles do happen. Honorary lead celebrity chef of Love Bites, Rocco DiSpirito, is a dear friend of Scarlett's. During her treatment, DiSpirito made healthy meals and cupcakes for her to enjoy. But what she enjoyed most was his steak, which quickly turned into her favorite meal. Inclined to be involved in every aspect of the fundraising, Scarlett and some of her friends from the hospital made handmade gifts for the chefs. "I love this event because I find it such a mix of full time residents and summer residents," said Jennifer James, a Manhattan resident with a summer home in Bridgehampton. "I just love the local community that comes out for this. I love the people that spend time with Katy's Courage . . . The Stewart's are just a lovely family. We're both doing such wonderful things for children," she continued. Peter Ambrose will be dishing out a savory seafood Paella. Guests can look forward to other bites from Bare Burger, Caits Baked, Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake, Conca Dora, Erica's Rugelach, DOPO La Spiaggia, Dressen's, Edgewater, Golden Pear, Hampton's Foodie, Hampton Jam Company, Ketchum Sea Farm, Page at 63 Main, Penntaura Loa/Thai Catering, Red Catering, Saaz Indian Restaurant, Sag Harbor Baking Company, Salt and Bone, Sausages Pizza's and Pastabilities, The Service Station, Silver Spoon Specialities, Simply Sublime, Smokin Wolf, Southampton Social Club, Union Cantina, Manna & Insatiable Eats Catering, and Feast End Kouzina. "Love Bites" will be held on Saturday from 6:30 PM to 10 PM at The Muses in Southampton and will benefit The Scarlett Fund and Katy's Courage. For tickets visit www.katyscourage.org. You can follow Nicole Teitler on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram as Nikki On The Daily.

#dazedish #sweetcharity