LA JOLLA -- North County chefs were among the headliners at "Gingerbread and the City 2008," a festive event supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.

The event, which drew 325 people and netted $145,000, featured a display of spectacularly imaginative gingerbread architecture. The fundraiser was chaired by Sally B. Thornton of the Thornton Winery family for the 15th year.

"The exquisite and delicate gingerbread creations are carefully designed and lovingly constructed to enthrall and enchant you," Thornton said.

The honorary chairman was Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman.

Rita Coolidge stopped by to sing at the event. Some of the standards she sang were "Fever," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You."

San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price attended and brought a proclamation declaring Dec. 10 to be Gingerbread City Day 2008.

The guests circled the ballroom examining the gingerbread creations. "Christmas at City Hall in Philadelphia" created by the San Ysidro Adult School took the top prize.Â

Jenni Shea, an Interior decorator from San Marcos, and Mary Csiki built the "Wonder Emporium." Â

There was plenty of food on hand from well-known local chefs.

Chef Jason McLeod of Amaya Restaurant at the Grand Del Mar prepared Farror cassoulet. William Bradley of the Addison Restaurant, also at the Grand Del Mar, prepared a gingerbread veloute with toasted hazelnuts. Martin Woesle, the chef at Mille Fleurs, brought soup of "Musque de Provence" and pumpkin-cinnamon croutons.

Sbicca Bistro of Del Mar, represented by Heidi Raynowska of Vista, brought Susan Sbicca's shrimp lobster bisque.

MaryLou Connolly pronounced the gala "the best of all 15 years."Â

 Among the North County sponsors of the fundraiser were Millicent and Charles Froehlich from Escondido, Arthur Ecker of Del Mar and Marilyn and Kim Fletcher, Silver Sponsors from Solana Beach. Â

The Connolly family represented on the foundation board and Silver Sponsors hosted a table live in Del Mar.

 The Kneeshaw family had a table. They are represented on the board and were Gingerbread Sponsors from Encinitas.

 Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Chris and Julie Ames, a secretary of the board, were Gingerbread Sponsors. They live in Carlsbad. Â

Julie and Jay Sarno of Carlsbad were honorary committee members.

To learn more go to www.epilepsyfoundation.org.