One of the most respected art and food events of the year stayed true to its reputation Sunday, April 30th, when a few hundred guests gathered together at the Galleria Corporate Centre under the skylights for sheer pleasure.

Casa held its 12th Annual Pleasures of the Palettes, an annual culinary and contemporary art fundraising event which benefits Casa, Center for Prevention of Abuse and Violence. In the spirit of creativity and expression, world-renowned contemporary artists and award-winning chefs from around the country gathered to combine their talents for an extravagant and memorable event.

Participating artists were: Leah Devora, Mark Hauser, Heidi Jung, Joseph Lapiano, Craig Marshall Smith, Antonio Puri, Turner Davis, James Davis, Candice Eisenfeld, Gloria Gaddis, Bobbie Goodrich, Mary Grant-Coster, Deborah Harris, Art Levy, Bret Rowe, b royalty, Cornelis Hollander, Beth Ames Swartz, Beth Solem and David Kessler.

Participating chefs were: Christopher Gross (Christopher's Fermier; Lee Hillson (T. Cook's-Royal Palms Resort); Chuck Wiley (Cafe ZU ZU-Valley Ho); Michael Stebner (Regions--San Diego); Rahm Fama (Fuego, La Posada--New Mexico); Patrick Karvis (Wildhorse Grill); Martin Osete (Mi Catering); Stephen Lewandowski (Tribeca Grill--NY); Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro); and James Porter (Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar).

FIRST COURSE: Beginning with a contemporary art sale and cocktail reception, Pleasures of the Palettes featured a contemporary art lottery sale of exquisite donated art, contributed by the artists, along with appetizers from participating restaurants.

SECOND COURSE: Chefs from New York, California, New Mexico, Phoenix and Scottsdale prepared and served three-course culinary masterpieces tableside to excited patrons. Participating artists and their guest joined each table to dine with other guests.

THIRD COURSE: Chefs, artists and those lucky enough to have attended this event gathered for playtime. Award-winning pastry chefs showcased their desserts, artists facilitated creativity with paints and clay. To say that a good time was had by all is quite an understatement. I'm sure many are already signing up for next year's Pleasures of the Palettes.

FOURTH COURSE: A private party for chefs and artists was held next door at "6" an upscale New York-style elegant club. Heavy appetizers, cigars and cognac were in abundance.

The event had it all: making new friends, great conversation, being surrounded by exciting works of art, dining in style, individual aprons for creating one's own self-ordained masterpieces with oil paints.

Casa, Center for Prevention of Abuse and Violence provides quality abuse and violence prevention programs to children and teens, as well as abuse and violence treatment services to children, adults and families that have been victims of crime, while raising community awareness of abuse and violence and advocating for social change.

For more information, visit www.casacares.org or call 602-254-6400.