Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will hold its annual Chef’s Feast fundraiser Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Wrightsville Manor.

This year’s event will highlight the chefs who supported the relief efforts of World Central Kitchen during and after Hurricane Florence. 

Organizers say this is a natural partnership given that the Food Bank distributed nearly 15 million pounds of food and essentials post-Florence and continue to support ongoing recovery efforts, particularly in the hard-hit areas of Pender County.

Participating chefs include: Christi Ferretti of Pine Valley Market, Michelle Rocks of Mama Rocks Desserts, Lori Eaton of Eaton at Home, Matt and Kim Lennert of SpoonFed Kitchen, Lottie Arnold of The Grove at Live Oak Bank, Matthew Register of Southern Smoke BBQ, Craig Love of Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp and Ryan Andress of UNCW Dining.

Chef Christi Ferretti (pictured at right) said as soon as she was asked about participating she knew she wanted to be a part of the event.

“Florence was horrible, but this gives us a way to highlight all the good that came out of it,” Ferretti said. “As businesses, restaurants may be seen as competitors, but as chefs, feeding people is at the core of what we do and I’m really grateful to have formed a bond with all of these chefs.”

The event, which is the Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser, is expected to raise enough money to provide roughly 480,000 meals. 

Guests will enjoy dinner as well as a chance to talk with chefs while participating in food-themed raffles and a silent auction and enjoying live music from Folkstone String Band. Funds raised support the local Food Bank branch's efforts to provide nourishing meals for thousands in the area. 

“Chef’s Feast at Wrightsville Manor provides thousands of meals for our friends and neighbors who are living in food insecure households, including many who are still recovering from Hurricane Florence,” said Beth Gaglione, Wilmington branch director of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. “Teaming up with our local chefs who supported World Central Kitchen post-storm makes the event even more meaningful as we continue to help them rebuild.”  

Tickets and more information are available online.

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected]