Mickey Bakst: Ring Leader
He coordinated a massive benefit in the mere seven days following Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, when Charleston lost nine of its own firemen, he created “Dine for the Charleston Nine,” which raised $500,000 and became one of the city’s largest fundraisers to date. While the country was still fresh in its mourning after 9/11, he had already assembled “Chefs Across America,” a series of nine dinners in nine cities with the greatest chefs in the world including Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio and Rocco DiSpirito. He raised $20 million for the city of Detroit after a center that handled distribution of food, clothing, toys and furniture to all regional shelters burned to the ground ten days before Christmas, resulting in goods and money pouring in from all over the world, gathering more merchandise and money for the shelters than ever before. That’s just in his spare time.
When Mickey Bakst, GM of Charleston Grill, sets his mind to something, watch out. Just get on board and hold on (for dear life) for the ride.
And, he’s about to do it again. So get your grip.
Bakst has launched “Charleston Chefs: Feed The Need,” a new initiative bringing together 52 top local chefs to serve more than 20,000 meals in the Lowcountry this year. The fire lit under him when he read that due to the economy and budget restraints, Crisis Ministries would be forced to close its doors one day a week.
“Food is not a privilege; it should be a right,” says a passionate Bakst. And we’re talking good food. Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Fig, McCrady’s…the list of those participating goes on. And on. We’re talking James Beard nominees cooking for the hungry! But it’s much more than that. It is a marriage of the entire restaurant and catering community, from AW Shucks to Woodlands, Bubba Gump Shrimp to Iverson Catering.
The community is also encouraged to get involved by donating and volunteering. Restaurants all over the country are struggling and ours are no exception. The fact that, despite these tough times, places are banding together to help is extraordinary and should encourage the rest of us to get on board!
“Feed The Need” will benefit Crisis Ministries, Tricounty Ministries, East Cooper Meals on Wheels and Neighborhood House, all organized through the Lowcountry Food Bank. Bakst hopes to roll the initiative out to other cities across the country, as well.
Anyone who meets Bakst can see his huge heart, which seems to burst open and pour out the love anytime there is a cause that moves him. As Bakst talks about this initiative, about the people it will help (not just the homeless, but people who have lost their jobs…people we all know), his eyes well with tears.
Bakst is a true philanthropist at heart and a ring leader by nature. To rally 52 top chefs is staggering, and he seems to do it effortlessly. Where he leads, people follow.
Mickey, we’re proud to follow you anywhere.
Story by Caroline Nuttall
