Chef Hall of Fame

Dish It Up is honored to have amazingly talented chefs and bakers prepare fantastic dishes each year to raise awareness for domestic violence.

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Purple Dish Award Winners

​The winner of the Purple Dish Award is chosen by a panel of food critics and experts, who judge each dish according to taste, presentation, and use of the color purple – symbolic of the anti-domestic violence movement.

2025: Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico

2024: Rebecca Foxman of Fox and Sons Fancy Corn Dogs

2023: Gloria Clarke of Rosa Mexicano

2022: Julie Kline of La Colombe

2019: Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel's Pantry

2018: Mary Lochary of The Rittenhouse

2017: Lisa Lombo of Jones Restaurant

2016: Kiki Aranita of Poi Dog

2015: Carolyn Nguyen from of Revolution Taco

2014: Aimee Olexy of Talula's Garden

2013: Natalie Maronski of Chifa

2012: Ann Jamavan of Jasmine Rice

2010: Marcie Turney of Barbuzzo, Lolita, Jamonera

2009: Jennifer Carroll of 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge


Purple Dessert Award Winners

Originally the "People's Choice" selected by guests who cast their votes during the event, the Purple Dessert Award winner was selected by the Judging Panel beginning in 2018.

2025: Kate Hughes of High Street Philadelphia

2024: Kate Hughes of High Street Philadelphia

2023: Justine MacNeil of Fiore

2022: Justine MacNeil of Fiore

2019: Ruth Scott of Cupcakes by Ruth

2018: Ruth Scott of Cupcakes by Ruth

2017: Abigail Dahan of Parc Restaurant

2016: Diana Anello of Bredenbeck's Bakery

2015: Jessica Nolen of Brauhaus Schmitz and Whetstone

2014: Pam Kingsland of Pamcakes Cupcakery

2013: Melissa Torre of Cookie Confidential

2012: Kristen Piano of Social Sweets

2010: Roz Bratt of Homemade Goodies


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Candace Survivor Story IG Smaller

La historia de Candace

Al pensar en la violencia doméstica, a menudo se piensa en una víctima/sobreviviente adulta. Pero ¿qué sucede con los niños, las niñas y las personas jóvenes adultas que han experimentado abuso o han sentido miedo en sus propios hogares? Candace, quien trabajó como terapeuta en Women Against Abuse, fue testigo de cómo abusaban a su madre durante años y elige contar su historia sobre este aspecto de la violencia doméstica del que poco se habla. A continuación, sus palabras.

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Dineth's Story

I was probably 8 or 9 the first time we went to Women Against Abuse’s shelter in the mid-1980s. It was in [West Philly] and it was because my mom was in a domestic violence situation and we needed to find a safe place to live.

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Un nuevo comienzo para Natalie

Ingresar al albergue seguro de Women Against Abuse, realmente irse para siempre, fue la culminación de 10 años de abuso en la relación; más discusiones, amenazas y noches sin dormir de las que Natalie* podría contar. Tenían hijos en común, compartían la vida y dependían del otro económicamente. No era fácil ponerle un fin a la relación.

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Overbrook Presbyterian’s Story

The Women’s Dining Circle of Overbrook Presbyterian Church knows how to make fundraising down right fun. In January, the Dining Circle hosted a dinner that raised over $1,200 for Women Against Abuse.

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William’s Story

William Spratley flicks through the text messages on his phone until he finds the one he’s been looking for. It’s from his 27-year old daughter, Ameya, and it’s the last words he will ever exchange with her.

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Megan

Megan's Story

I’ll never forget that moment when the judge asked, “Did he hit you?” I was standing in the courtroom, our 4-month old son sleeping in the baby carrier strapped to my chest. I didn’t know what to say. Everything else – the years of insults, the screaming in my face, the violence, the gaslighting, the drug abuse – was being overlooked. Just because you’ve never been hit, doesn’t mean you aren’t being abused.

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Sheila

Sheila’s Story

Sheila arrived at the Women Against Abuse Emergency Shelter after waking up in a hospital emergency room.

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Renee’s Story

Renee Norris Jones experienced 7 years of domestic violence at a time when few resources existed to help victims escape abuse.

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Kathleen’s Story

For years, Kathleen's* life was defined by her husband's moods, needs and whims.

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Catherine’s Story

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

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