HOUSTON, Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The American Cancer Society announces their 4th Annual Houston Corks and Forks Event, which is expected to be the culinary event of the year. The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place on October 3rd, 2019 and will host guests from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

Houston Corks and Forks 2019 will feature a culinary competition between more than a dozen of Houston's most popular restaurants. Guests will be tempted with food and wine pairings from local favorites such as Steak 48, Amalfi, Ristorante Cavour, Toulouse, the newly opened Houston Ouzo Bay, Uchi, Ninfa's on Navigation, Le Colonial, Bisou, Franks America, La Table, Liberty Kitchen, Brennan's Houston, and Ouzou Bay. While attendees are treated to food and wine, a panel of media and local food experts will judge each restaurant's cuisine, ultimately determining which culinary team will take this year's coveted Culinary Crown. Guests will have the opportunity to select the most creative vignette by voting throughout the night.

Besides the foodie intrigue, Houston Corks and Forks 2019 will feature live music by popular local artist David Caceres, a wine pull, live and silent auctions including a 5 day trip to Sicily, Italy with included hotel and airfare, and much more. Attendees can expect a night of luxury in the heart of Houston's Theater District, while supporting the fight to end cancer once and for all.

Every year, the American Cancer Society and Corks and Forks honors influential members of the community that have been affected by cancer. This year, Houston Corks and Forks 2019 will honor Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, FAIA FAICP. Hodge is a well-known contributor to Houston's social and philanthropic scene. With a distinguished career as a society columnist, Hodge currently works as an Editor-at-Large for Culture Map and as the Social and Lifestyle Editor at PaperCity Magazine. Hodge was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and recently celebrated her fifth year in remission.

The American Cancer Society not only recognizes those who have fought with cancer, but the loved ones who provide care and support throughout a patient's journey with the disease. Shafik Rifaat will be recognized at Houston Corks and Forks 2019 for his continued support of Hodge throughout her journey with cancer. Rifaat is a Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at The University of Houston. He has worked with US-AID designing master plans for schools in Italy and has contributed to the public housing within the Houston Community.

Houston Corks and Forks 2019 will also present a Special Recognition Award to VICTORY Houston—a volunteer branch of the American Cancer Society—for their continued and dedicated support to raising funds to end the fight against cancer since 1987.

Leading the charge is Houston Corks and Forks 2019 event chair, Mary Grace Gray. Gray is a recent addition to the John Daugherty Real Estate team. She joined the group of realtors following a 20-year career with The Interfin Companies, where she oversaw their luxury condominium development team. Among her many notable accomplishments, Gray opened Hotel Granduca in Houston's Uptown Park, where she was the general manager for a decade. Gray continues to give back to the community through board involvement and volunteer efforts within numerous organizations and brings a wealth of vibrant leadership and fundraising experience to this year's Corks and Forks event.

The American Cancer Society looks forward to hosting Houston Corks and Forks 2019 in the culinary event of the season. To take part in this year's live and silent auctions, the abundant food and wine pairings, and the opportunity to support the fight against cancer, reserve tickets for Houston Corks and Forks 2019 by visiting houstoncorksandforks.org.

About The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS promotes healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer, conducts research to improve treatments, lobbies for lifesaving policy changes, provides transportation and emotional support to patients and much more. The organization's Global Headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional and local offices throughout the country—ensuring a presence in every community. The American Cancer Society's mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

SOURCE The American Cancer Society