Precious Gems

The Jarretts decided that they wanted to adopt again, and set about attending myriad classes and seminars, devoting much time to adopting locally. "We thought: Why don't we maybe consider adopting from China again?" says Jarrett. "That's how we found Jewel." 

Yang Cheng Bing (aka Jewel) was born on Valentine's Day 2009 in Fujian Province, China. She was born without eyes and abandoned by her family when she was barely a month old. "We were told that if we chose not to adopt her, that she would be in an orphanage for her entire life," says Jarrett. 

It's an all too familiar scenario in China, as impoverished families unable to care for newborns abandon them in unforgiving ways that are difficult to comprehend. "As we were going through the process of adopting Jewel, we came across a little boy who had hip dysplasia - both hips were dislocated," says Jarrett. "He was found at a day old on railroad tracks.

"We look at things like that, and wonder, first of all, how can anybody do this?" says Jarret, "and more importantly, how can we help?"

The first step was finding Jewel. The second step was beginning the adoption process. Now, the Jarretts are faced with approximately $25,000 in costs to bring Jewel into their home. It's a tall order, and longtime restaurateur Jarrett called on the community of chefs in Northeast Ohio for help. They responded. 

On March 22, from 5:30 to 9 pm at the Cleveland Sight Center, nearly two dozen of the area's finest chefs will prepare dishes for Cleveland Chefs Cooking for Jewel. The event will help raise money for the Jarrett family, and with tickets priced at $25 each, it's accessible to anybody with a heart and an appetite. 

"I really relate to Jeff as a father and as a chef," says chef Brian Doyle of World's Fare Culinary and Danny's Organic Marketplace. "I commend his commitment to parenting on such a huge level to seek out a child who really needs a home. He has, like most chefs, a huge, kind and giving heart."

Longtime friend and Light Bistro chef/owner Matthew Mathlage is also participating in the event. "I've known Jeff and Tammy for about 10 years, and I think what they are doing is admirable – and maybe even saint like," says Mathlage. "Taking on one special needs child is a life changing challenge, and to go through all of that and decide to do it again is just remarkable.

"As a father, what they are doing really touches my heart. I would do anything to help them."

The community support has illustrated to Jarrett the powerful bonds that unite for a greater good in our region. The list of participating chefs is a who's who of the local culinary scene: Matt Baber of Naya Bistro & Lounge, Dante Boccuzzi of Dante, Lanny Chin of Naya Bistro & Lounge, Mark Cleland of North End, Zack Conover of The Leopard, Ellis Cooley of Amp150, private chef William Fugitt, Aaron Guzik of L’Albatros, Heather Haviland of Lucky's Cafe/Vine and Bean, Jeremy Lisy of KJ Greens, Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern, Stove Monkeys creator Matt Mytro, Mike Nowak of Bar Cento, Stacey Stoudemire of Simply Elegant Catering, Wendy Thompson of A Cookie and a Cupcake, Ky-Wai Wong of Lucky’s Café and Eric Wells of Skye LaRae Culinary Services. "The chefs help means the world to me," says Jarrett.

There will be auction prizes at the event, and Chef's Garden is donating their highly coveted produce to participating chefs for the event and as part of an auction package. 

Tickets are available online at www.clevelandchefscookingforjewel.com.

(l,r) Jasmine at home in Cleveland; Jewel in China