Events

Grand Illusions Sauté – Ohio Valley

On behalf of Ohio Cancer Research (OCR), thank you to everyone who helped make the 30th Grand Illusions Sauté Ohio Valley a meaningful evening of community, generosity, and hope.

Held on Thursday, May 7 at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville, this milestone event brought together friends, supporters, and community leaders who share a commitment to advancing promising new ideas in cancer research. Because of your support, OCR is able to continue investing directly in researchers whose work may lead to better treatments, new discoveries, and brighter futures for patients and families across Ohio and beyond.

This year, we were proud to recognize Herk Sparachane as the 2026 Grand Illusions Sauté Honoree. Herk’s leadership, generosity, and deep connection to the Ohio Valley community made him a fitting honoree for this special anniversary year.

The evening featured a lively and heartfelt “sauté” led by our 2026 Sauté Chefs: Ryan Forgacs, Beau Catalano, Jamie Zelewicz, Jennifer Jones, and Nick Sparachane. Their stories, humor, and good-natured tributes helped celebrate Herk in a way that was both entertaining and deeply personal.

A special thank you to Ted Showalter, President and Owner of Whiteside and the 2025 Grand Illusions Sauté Honoree, for presenting this year’s award to Herk and continuing the tradition of honoring individuals who make a lasting impact in the Ohio Valley.

Guests also enjoyed a wonderful dinner, music by the Eli Lambie Trio, raffles, and the fellowship that has made this event such a beloved tradition for 30 years.

Thank you again to our guests, sponsors, donors, volunteers, Sauté Chefs, and everyone who helped bring this event to life. Your support helps Ohio Cancer Research fund life-saving cancer research and gives hope to those who need it most.

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