PROVIDED PHOTO/COMMUNITY PARTNERS Jaime-Lee Brown and Karen Smyack at last year's event.

PROVIDED PHOTO/COMMUNITY PARTNERS Mark and Ashlyn are having lots of fun, in this file photo.

PROVIDED PHOTO/COMMUNITY PARTNERS Kathleen Kelly

Eight premiere area restaurants are sharpening their respective claws to compete in the second annual Palm Beaches Crab Cake Cook-Off for Childhood Trauma to raise funds for children coping with life-changing mental illness and trauma.

Community Partners, Palm Beach Countys expert agency in providing childhood social-emotional therapy and support for victims of trauma, abuse and neglect, launched the areas most unique new event in 2012 to bring awareness and funds to the more than 2,500 kids they seek to serve each year.

The Palm Beaches Crab Cake Cook-Off, so popular and delicious last season, is a highly-anticipated, fun and different charitable event that focuses on the kids beyond the cooking competition that will award the areas finest crab cake.

We were on board right from the start with this great cause for local kids ... was the response from Lindsey Bader, marketing director for The Capital Grille Palm Beach Gardens, the events VIP Crab Trap Host.

Echo Palm Beach learned of the event and stepped in to host the Crabs and Crowns VIP Kickoff event that precedes the main event. Echo General Manager Chris Haretos will serve on the 2013 competition Judges Panel.

Eight favorite local eateries signed on for the second year of the claw-to-claw competition, all eager to help raise funds to support kids, including Caf Joshua, Christinas Catering, Cod & Capers, Dixie Grill and Bar, Frigates Waterfront Bar & Grill, Hog Snappers Shack & Sushi, Ruths Chris Steakhouse North Palm, and the Tin Fish.

Guests will taste each teams crab cake and will cast their votes for Peoples Choice Award, as well as enjoy wine and beer tasting, entertainment and the CrabFabulous Auction and Bling Bar.

More:

Carol Saunders: Palm Beaches Crab Cake Cook-Off in its 2nd 'SAUCY' year