Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina will host its signature fundraising event, Wish Upon a Chef, on Jan. 30 at UNCW's Burney Center.

The culinary event features 16 of the area’s top chefs in an evening of entertainment, inspiration and competition dining. 

This year’s Wish Upon a Chef event features tableside service of signature dishes prepared by the participating chefs and served in four courses.

"Wish Upon a Chef is one of the signature fundraising events our chapter holds and the only event based exclusively in the Wilmington area," said Jackie Jordan, director of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina, in an email. "This is a fun night highlighting some incredible chefs, but it’s also an opportunity for us to share the story of Make-A-Wish. Our chapter grants on average about 200 wishes every year in the eastern North Carolina community.

"This night in Wilmington gives us a chance to celebrate those wishes with existing donors and introduce the truly special wish experience to new community members."

The evening also features exciting live and silent auctions, live entertainment and stories of local Wish families.

Participating chefs include: Christi Ferretti, Pine Valley Market; Marc Berruet, Sweet Bay Catering of Bald Head Island; Joseph Heskin, Grand Cru Food & Wine; Sam Cahoon, Savorez; Sokun Slama, The Chef & The Frog of Whiteville; Ryan Andress, UNCW Catering; Chris Williamson, Slainte Irish Pub Monkey Junction; Brett Chamberlin & Richard Straley, Cape Fear Seafood Co.; Andrew Stanley, Waterman’s Brewing Co.; Massimo Mannino, Nino’s Cucina Italiana of Greenville; Samuel Lawler, Catering Thyme at Beau Rivage; Michelle Rock, T’Geaux Boys & Momma Rocks Food Trucks; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Chopt Creative Salad Co.; Chicken Salad Chick.

All dishes will be voted on by a panel of judges, with each participating chef vying for top honors. 

Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. The organization serves medically eligible children residing in the 49 counties east of the Orange/Alamance county line. With the help of more than 350 volunteers, including its board, Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina has granted more than 3,800 wishes since its inception.

Sponsorships and individual tickets can be purchased online.

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