PHOTOS: Locals Eat, Drink, Raise Money for Boys & Girls Club of Troy

On Sunday, more than 1,000 hungry people flocked to the for the 20th Annual – an annual fundraiser that raises a significant amount of money the .

"It went fabulously," said Cindy Stewart, event organizer and Boys & Girls Club of Troy board president. "People in Troy and the surrounding areas are so generous."

Though the fundraising grand total won't be calculated until later this week, Stewart said the event was definitely a success.

"This means so much and impacts so many kids," Stewart said. "We can help kids so they have a safe place to be."

All at the event were encouraged to participate in this year's theme – "A World of Flavors." Critic's Choice and People's Choice awards were given in several categories, with each restaurant submitting a specific dish to be judged.

The 2012 Critic's Choice winners are:

• , best soup/salad/appetizer
• , best casual entrée
• , best entrée
• , best dessert
• , best display

The 2012 People's Choice winners are:

• , best soup/salad/appetizer
• , best casual entrée
• Ruth's Chris Steak House, best entrée
• , best dessert
• , best display

In addition to a wide variety of savory dishes from local restaurants, several silent and live auctions also brought in additional money for the Boys & Girls Club.

Live music by Big Will and the 360 Degrees Band helped set a relaxed tone for the event, and WDIV TV 4 Meteorologist Andrew Humphrey served as the event emcee and live auction host, helping to auction off signed Red Wings jerseys, Detroit Tigers tickets and a day in Lansing with Michigan Sen. John Pappageorge, among other things.

"I'm one of the originators," Pappageorge said, adding that he has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club for more than a decade. "It's a wonderful event."

Troy Mayor Janice Daniels, Troy City Councilman Dave Henderson, Councilwoman Maureen McGinnis, Councilman Dane Slater, Councilman Jim Campbell, Councilman Wade Fleming, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner and Oakland County Executive candidate Kevin Howley, among others, also attended the event.

"You've got so many different cultures here," said Meisner, who attended the event with his wife, Sarah. "That's what Troy is all about – diverse cultures."

"It's a great event to spend time with two of my favorite things – people and food," Daniels said.

"It's a great way to bring the entire community together and help the Boys & Girls Club," Howley said.

Nearly every attendee interviewed agreed that the Boys & Girls Club is a vital organization that deserves recognition and funding.

"Everybody needs a safe place for their kids to be," Stewart said, adding that the event would not have been a success without help from numerous volunteers.

"That's why we do it. It's for the kids, and we are truly grateful."

Couldn't make it to the event? Don't worry – you can donate directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Troy online.

Editor's note: On March 7, a photo of Sen. John Pappageorge posing with Troy Mayor Janice Daniels was removed from this article, per Pappageorge's request. Pappageorge wished to note that he does not endorse Janice Daniels or any other candidate or elected officials at the local level.