I have always had a deep love for animals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes—a passion that has guided my life and inspired countless acts of kindness. Over the years, I have supported local shelters through donations, including a unique wedding gesture where guests contributed to the SPCA in lieu of traditional gifts. I have rescued stray cats, rehabilitated an injured baby squirrel and a baby opossum, and continue to advocate for animal welfare every chance I get.

My love for animals has been passed down to my five boys—Blake, Jax, Axl, Rafe, and Smith—who share my compassion and commitment. At home, our family cares for a lively crew of three beloved cats (Eleanor, Pancho, Binx), three dogs (Brody, Gemma, Olly), and a flock of spoiled chickens.

My family and I have attended the Celebrity Chef SPCA Fundraiser for many years, and I am honored to participate this year alongside my son Jax. Jax not only shares my love for animals but also my passion for cooking and baking, making this event a perfect way to combine our interests while supporting a cause close to our hearts.

I am a freshman at Notre Dame High School. I have been cooking since I was quite young, at first just preparing sandwiches for lunch. I am now frequently given the task of preparing dinner for my family. So when I was asked to help out with the SPCA Celebrity Chef event, I agreed. 

My other interests are digital and traditional art, music composing and theater. I have participated in six productions in school.  

Born and raised in Elmira, I am the proud mother of two children and a dedicated wife. I currently run a plumbing, heating and HVAC company with my husband. I spend my days caring for my family and balancing the work life of a self-employed family.  My biggest joy is caring for the people that I love and making them feel special and appreciated.

I am blessed to be the furry mother to my best friend, Figgaro.  Figgaro came into our lives as just a 12-week-old puppy that no one wanted.  He was the last pick of the litter and seemed to know it.  His eyes lit up the moment that my husband and I entered the room and sat on the floor to play with him. The rest was history, and he has been a spoiled rotten puppy for the last 11 years.  He is a timid boy, but loves with his whole entire tiny self. 

My love of cooking came ironically from the cooking channel and watching several cooking shows on how to learn to cook. I consider myself a “home chef” and definitely not a baker as my ability to follow directions and measure is sometimes lacking. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the happiness on people’s faces after I have cooked for them. Our house has become the go to for family events, from family dinner every Sunday to any reason to celebrate an event or holiday. All are welcome to come enjoy food, family, friendship and escape. 

My affection for animals came early on in life with my very first dog as a child. Since then, I have supported as many animal causes as I feasibly can. The SPCA is dear to my heart as I have rescued many cats over the years. Perhaps another soon if I can convince my husband. I am looking forward to meeting you, contributing to a great cause and hopefully cooking something that makes your mouth water and your stomachs wanting more. 

I am a native Elmiran.  I am also a retired English teacher who is currently a paralegal for Roth Elder Law in Painted Post.  I like to travel and have been around the world with friends and my students.  My goal is to get to Antarctica and then I will have been on all seven continents.  This summer I will venture to Croatia and Montenegro.  

Currently, I am the secretary for the Board of Directors for the SPCA and am ready to cook with my sous chef, Bryce Gooshaw, for this event.  

Though I have no pet of my own right now, I am uncle to Peggy, a little Shih Tzu with a ton of love; Rico, a cat with attitude; and Button, the softest cat on the planet. 

I have over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and economic revitalization across the Southern Tier. I previously served as Executive Director of Elmira Downtown Development, Inc., where I helped secure major state funding and launched beloved community events that continue today.

Since 2021, I have served as President & CEO of the Chemung Chamber of Commerce, focusing on economic growth, workforce development, and regional collaboration. Originally from the area, I returned home in 2005 to invest in my community.

A proud descendant of generations of Lebanese women, my love of Lebanese Syrian food was passed down from my grandmother and remains a meaningful connection to family, culture, and community. I have a profound love for all animals and share my home with three beloved rescues: my cats, Midnight and Nova, and my dog, Bono.

I am a longtime local business owner who believes that strong communities are built by showing up for one another. Whether through my work, volunteer leadership, or community events, I am passionate about supporting organizations that make a real difference close to home.

An animal lover at heart, I am proud to support the SPCA and its mission to protect, care for, and find loving homes for animals in need. Participating in the Celebrity Chef event allows me to combine my love of cooking with my commitment to giving back to the community that has given so much to me.

I enjoy bringing people together over good food, good conversation, and shared purpose. I am honored to be part of an event that celebrates compassion, generosity, and the power of community.

Born and raised along the shores of Lake Ontario, I’ve spent more than 20 years building a career in the food service industry, working in restaurants, hospitality leadership, and operational roles across Oklahoma City, Utica/Syracuse, Columbia, Charlotte, and now Elmira. Those experiences—and the communities I’ve been part of—shaped my love for food as a way to connect people and create shared moments.

Growing up, food was our gathering place—where family came together, conversations flowed, and connection happened—and that sense of community around the table has stayed with me throughout my career. Today, I work in Training and Development, but my culinary roots remain a big part of who I am.

I’m also a proud paw-rent to two shelter pups, Ginger and Koa, whose stories inspire my commitment to rescue advocacy. Supporting the SPCA is close to my heart, and I’m truly honored to be one of this year’s Celebrity Chefs for such a meaningful event.

I was born and raised in Elmira, NY and am a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and The Wilma Boyd School of Business & Travel, Pittsburgh, PA. I've enjoyed a 39 year career in the Airline and  Travel & Tourism Industry working for Rosenbluth International (Corporate Travel Agency),  TWA, USAirways/American Airlines,  and Delta Airlines.  Throughout my many years of traveling the world, I've experienced many different cuisines and wines from near and far. 

Growing up in a large Italian family, where meals were considered to be events that were shared by family and friends, I learned to cook at an early age alongside my mother who taught me the recipes and traditions of her Italian heritage. 

An avid wine aficionado,  I have facilitated wine competitions for The American Wine Society,  The State of Virginia's Governors  Cup Wine Competition, International Eastern Wine Competition, and The New York State Fair commercial and amateur wine competitions. 

In addition to working at GSTBOCES, I'm currently the Chapter Chairperson for The Southern Fingerlakes Chapter of the American Wine Society and the Logistics Wine Manager for The Eastern Winery Exposition & Conference. Pairing food with wines is a passion of mine. I am thrilled to be one of the Celebrity Chefs for this wonderful event. 

I started in the food industry as a cook at a local restaurant at age of 16. Eight years later, I left that job as the head manager looking to learn new things and went on to become a stonemason while learning how to make specialized cakes in my spare time. 

In 2019, I took a chance and purchased a new business that was called Valhalla Cafe and 5 years later I have grown the business to become Valhalla Cafe and Catering Service, LLC. We flourished through COVID and other obstacles and now cater to 6 race car teams at Watkins Glen International Raceway as well as weddings and corporate events and more. 

I believe in serving only the freshest foods. I own a food truck as well that receives numerous compliments each year from people that come to eat at it from all over the United States and abroad. 

My name is Scott and I've had animal companions since I was a youngin'. I'm currently the pet dad to 2 dogs named Onyx and Chuck, and two cats named Juan and Chubby. 

I managed restaurants when I was younger and now work in the world of construction. In my off time I enjoy cooking for family and friends and reading, Please join me in helping raise money for the shelter so that our furry friends can get some care. Thanks!

Originally a Boston native,  I moved to the Horseheads area nearly 28 years ago.  After completing my formal degrees in engineering at Tufts University, I spent 4 years as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force, and then and subsequently accepted a position with Corning, Inc.  Over the past nearly 3-decades years with Corning, Inc, I have had a number of exciting assignments and opportunities, including traveling/living extensively in Asia. 

While my education/employment is engineering focused, my passion has always been theatre and cooking.  Growing up with the stereotypical “big Italian family”,  I developed a love of the culinary arts (and eating!).  And I proudly proclaim that my mother and grandmother are the best cooks on the planet!

In addition to being a “foodie”, I can occasionally be found strutting the stage as a performer with Elmira Little Theatre (most recently as “The D’Ysquith Family” in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder).

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and working on my 1980 Fiat Spyder.

I am from Mosherville, Pennsylvania – right across the NY border – and have lived and worked in the Elmira area all my life. I rescued my dog, Murphy, when I was building my house at the age of 29, and it’s been an adventure for the past 6 years. He was a stray brought up to the area from North Carolina, which coincidently was where my house package came from, so I felt like it was meant to be. He’s been by my side for house projects, meeting my husband, and having 2 little boys.

I have worked for pladis (formerly known as DeMet’s Candy Co.) for the past 10 years, as a Research and Development Scientist, right here in Horseheads, NY. This means I develop and test new flavors of chocolates for the Flipz chocolate covered pretzels and Turtles Chocolate Brands. 

I have always enjoyed cooking, baking, and coming up with new food ideas and my job is the perfect creative outlet. With this year’s Celebrity Chef theme, it is extra special for me, as my grandmother was a great source of information and a wonderful taste tester for my creations.

I am the owner of the Steve Kettelle Team at Keller Williams Realty. I live in a peaceful cozy farmhouse with my three dogs and cat.  I love to cook, travel, have friends over and garden.  

I am no stranger to the SPCA. I have supported the shelter and volunteered here for many years with friends and co-workers. Being a pet dad, I am happy to, again, be part of the Celebrity Chef event.