Sample signature culinary and beverage offerings at Bonne Santé.

There are lots of ways to spend a Sunday spring afternoon. However, one of the best ways to welcome the season is by attending Bonne Santé at Pine Knoll Farms in Appling.

Bonne Santé (French for “good health”) is a food and drink showcase that raises funds and awareness for National Kidney Foundation programs that support patients, their families and those at risk of developing kidney disease. Proceeds will be used for educating the public about reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease, advocacy, research and free kidney screenings.

The fundraiser will highlight the signature dishes of 10 to 15 local chefs at establishments such as Abel Brown Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar, West Lake Country Club, Creative Cuisine, TakoSushi, Silver Palm Catering, The Crazy Empanada, Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q, La Bonbonnière, Lil’ Dutch Bakery and The Pie Hole.

Drinks will include signature cocktails from Bar on Broad, craft beer from Back Paddle Brewing and gourmet coffee from 7 South Coffee, whose owner Lance Shay donated a kidney to his mother 29 years ago.

Typically drawing about 200 people, the event also will feature a silent auction and musical entertainment. In a live auction, attendees can bid on a private dinner for guests in their own homes prepared by some of the chefs or dinner, paired with wine, at the chefs’ restaurants.

Guest speakers will be dialysis patients including Michael Cofer, a former NFL linebacker who spent his entire 10-year career with the Detroit Lions and was selected for the 1988 Pro Bowl.

“I like to incorporate local dialysis and transplant patients as speakers to share their thoughts and highlight the importance of kidney disease,” says Dr. Laura Mulloy, division director, nephrology, at MCG at Augusta University and chairwoman of the fundraiser.

“Kidney disease can be detected with two simple tests at your doctor’s office,” says Krista Dasher, National Kidney Foundation senior development manager. “One in seven people in Georgia are at risk of getting kidney disease, which is the highest rate in the nation.”

If You Go:
What: Bonne Santé

When: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Pine Knoll Farms, Appling

How Much: $100 per person; $700 for table of eight; tickets available online or at the door

More Info: kidneyga.org, krista.dasher@kidney.org or (770) 452-1539, ext. 611