DAPHNE, Ala. — Daphne’s schools may have gotten a much-needed funding boost last weekend as SEEDS — Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools — hosted its annual “Mamma Mia Cook-off” Saturday on the grounds of City Hall.

Donation totals had not been tallied before press deadline, but approximately 850 people attended the cook-off in which 30 teams, representing area corporate and non-profit organizations,  competed in four categories: “carne” — meat; “pollo” — chicken; “frutti di mare” — seafood; and “senza carne” — meatless. Though SEEDS organizers did not want to give preliminary estimates, and not all attendees paid the full cost of admission — some attendees on corporate sponsorships received package options — $25 advance admission and $30 admission at the gate indicate several thousands of dollars likely were raised.

While the teams vied for awards and recognition, many understood their participation in the cook-off was for a higher cause. The Baldwin County Board of Education faces a $75 million deficit and has recently considered asking the county commission to implement a 1-cent sales tax to help offset the shortfall.

Budget cuts have forced the county to stop supporting teachers with an annual $525 stipend that normally paid for classroom supplies like paper products, school officials have said.

Many teachers have been forced to pay out of pocket for materials necessary to carry out their daily lesson plans.

“It’s a good opportunity for the businesses and schools to come together and get the kids what they need in school,” Compound Care Plus Pharmacy spokesperson Carol Black said of the Mamma Mia cook-off.

“It was a great night for Daphne,” SEEDS executive director Denise D’Oliveira said. “Thirty outstanding cooking teams, our beautiful City Hall in the background and the gorgeous weather made it an evening to remember.”

Daphne Middle School’s faculty team took home the coveted first place in the Mamma Mia Award for Best Presentation and Showmanship. The theme of the team’s presentation was “Vinci vidi vici vino,” or “I came, I saw, I conquered wine”; the team also won first place in the non-profit division’s “pollo” category for their pasta “fantastico.”

“It’s just fun,” spokesperson Annie Root said of the cook-off. “It’s competition, presentation and costumes; it’s dramatic.”

Second place in the Mamma Mia presentation awards went to members of one of Daphne East Elementary’s teams — who each dressed like Olive Oyl, the famous wiry character from “Popeye” cartoons — and prepared spinach chicken pie.

The team’s dish took second place in the non-profit division’s “pollo” category.

“We love it,” third-grade teacher LeeAnn McFeely said of the event. “SEEDS has been wonderful for our school. They do a lot for us.”

Third place went to Compound Care — whose theme was William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The team’s entry,  Italian “cucuzza” and meatball stew, won first place in the corporate division’s “carne” category.

“It’s just a great event,” Christ the King Church spokesperson David Derosechi said. “Anytime you can do something for the community, especially in these times, it’s a good feeling.”

The theme of Christ the King’s presentation was “Why She Fell In Love”; they prepared a homemade marinara sauce with rigatoni.

Riviera Utilities’ team’s  pasta “fagoli” won second place in the corporate division’s “carne” category while their presentation celebrated famous Italian painters.

“We already serve the community, but being able to give back to the community is really good,” Riviera spokesperson Danielle Pitt said.

Dr. Glenn Glass and Baldwin County Orthodontic Specialists’ team members, who served penne pasta with Italian sausage, were also pleased to participate in the event.

“He’s just all about education for the kids,” spokesperson Diane Agee said, of Glass. “Supporting SEEDS is very important to him.”

Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church’s team cooked turkey and artichoke stuffed shells with Arrabbiata sauce.

“We’re so excited that the schools are benefiting from all the extras that SEEDS provides,” church spokesperson Joan Martin said.

The second Daphne East Elementary team, the “Divas of Mel and Flo’s Diner,” served Italian sausage and potato soup.

“We all have children in the schools,” spokesperson Kim Randolph said. “That’s one of the reasons we help out. Schools today have to be community schools.”

“We always like to help the schools,” Triple T’s spokesperson Tim Schwenger said. “Education is how you get places.”

Members of the City Council participated as a cooking team as well; Councilmen Derek Boulware and Ron Scott and Councilwoman Cathy Barnette served a veal parmesan dish prepared by Councilman August Palumbo.

“It means everything,” Boulware said of the opportunity to provide extra funding for teacher needs. “This is what city government ought to try to do more of.

“I’ve participated in the ‘Mamma Mia’ event every year except one,” Barnette said. “It makes me proud to be part of such an important community event. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy downtown Daphne and support our children. Everyone benefits and has a good time doing it!”

“It is important to do as much for the Daphne schools as possible during these challenging economic times,” Scott said. “While in the past we have found ways to partner financially with the schools that serve the Daphne students, today we must look for other ways to support the schools.”

“It’s gratifying to take part in an event that benefits and enhances the education of the students in Daphne,” Palumbo said. “Local fundraisers cannot make up (for) the millions of dollars recently cut from the school budgets. If nothing else, the financial support afforded by SEEDS and by other concerned citizens helps raise the morale of the teachers and administrators who do an outstanding job, day in and day out, now with limited resources.”

Christ the King Catholic School’s PTO entered their team’s “fusilli salsiccia fiorentina” in the contest.

“We love the fact that it celebrates Daphne history,” Kim Pintarelli said of the event.

“It is an honor to cook for people that came before us and made us the people that we are,” Sylvia Stroud said.

Mr. Chuck’s Wine Cellar owner Christine Simpson appreciated the chance to participate in the event.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the community,” she said, adding that maintaining arts programs in the schools is very important to her.

The theme of Daphne High’s PTO’s presentation was “Lights, Camera, Action: Italian Stars of the Silver Screen”; the team’s entry, jambalaya Italiano, took first place in the non-profit division’s “carne” category.

Daphne Elementary’s team won second place in the nonprofit division’s “carne” category for its pasta “fagoli,” a traditionally inexpensive meal.

“Because the economy is so bad, we did a peasant dish,” a team spokesperson said.

Cook-off winners

Non-profit division

“Carne” — meat

“Pollo” — chicken

“Frutti di mare” — seafood

“Senza carne” — meatless

Corporate division

“Carne”

“Pollo”

“Frutti di mare”

“Senza carne”

2009 Mamma Mia Award for Best Presentation and Showmanship

About the Mamma Mia Cook-off

The Mamma Mia cook-off celebrates the city’s Italian heritage; Daphne was founded in the late 1800s by Italian immigrants from northern urban centers who settled in the area.

“It’s a great evening,” Mayor Fred Small said. “The SEEDS committee did a tremendous job. Being able to support the schools is a big goal. To be a part of this event is great. It’s real unique and puts everything in perspective.”

“We love ‘Mamma Mia,” resident Angela Paulson said. “So much good food. So many tasty dishes. And it’s all for a good cause, too, helping fund the school system.”

“It is impressive that as folks are feeling the pressure of today’s economic climate that record crowds can support the ‘Mamma Mia’ event,” Barnette said. “I think it shows the commitment of our community to our children. I also think it highlights the importance and effectiveness of SEEDS and their work.”

“There are literally hundreds of people involved now in putting Mamma Mia on each year, and we’re grateful to every one of them,” D’Oliveira said. “Every student in Daphne will benefit from the generosity of our volunteers and donors.”