Local physicians and surgeons contribute their time and talents again this year to the fourth annual “Carve for the Cure” to benefit the Susan G. Komen Southwest Florida Affiliate.

The benefit takes place on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Flying Pig Catering, located at 7970 Summerlin Lakes Drive, #101 in Fort Myers. The Cape Coral Community Foundation is working in conjunction with The Flying Pig to make this event possible.

Area doctors artfully design and carve realistic styrofoam pumpkins that are displayed and auctioned at Carve for the Cure. While you may spot the occasional traditional Jack O’ Lantern, many of the designs are outrageously creative and must be seen to be believed.

This year, “Carve for the Cure” will spotlight an all female lineup of chefs from many of Southwest Florida’s finest restaurants to showcase their culinary talent. In keeping with all female talent for the evening, flutist Kat Epple will perform.

“I thought it seemed appropriate to invite only female chefs and entertainers to participate this year”, said Karen Hutto, co-owner of The Flying Pig and event organizer. “Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer to occur in women. I think it’s great that women can use their talent to help battle this disease.”

Participating chefs include Amy Visco-Schmicker of Sunset Grille, Melissa Talmage of Sweet Melissa’s, Gloria Cabral-Jordan of La Trattoria Caffe’ Napoli, Pastry Chef Cindy Sheptow, Lisa Fidler, Private Chef as well as female chefs from the Junior American Culinary Federation; Johnson & Wales University North Miami Chapter, Chantell Kennedy-Shehan, Victoria Gozalez, Marisa Roussell, Nicole Perper and Rebecca Lerman.

Participating carvers include Dr. Binh Truong, Dr. Steven Lee, Dr. Robert Grohowski, Dr. Brian Hanlon, Dr. Valerie Dyke, Dr. Mary Kay Peterson, Dr. P. Jeffrey Richards, Dr. Jonathon Daitch, Dr. Stephen Prendiville, Dr. James Penuel, Dr. Evelyn Kessel, Dr. Ronnie Frankel, Dr. Cherie Morris, Dr. Lorraine Golosow, Dr. Lynn Einbinder, Dr. Eileen Schwartz, Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Dr. Peter Tsakalakis, Dr. James Stith, Dr. Sarah Krauss, Dr. Ann Tomas and Dr. Robert Tomas

Tickets to the event are $50 per person which includes wine, food and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased through the Cape Coral Community Foundation by calling Michelle at 239-542-5594 or via e-mail at michelle@capecoralcf.org.