Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina will host its third annual Wish Upon a Chef event at the UNCW Burney Center on Jan. 24.

The event, originally scheduled for Nov. 29, was postponed in the wake of Hurricane Florence.
 
Wish Upon a Chef is a celebration of local culinary talent, during which 16 area chefs will compete for the top honors in four categories: appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Guests will enjoy tableside service of signature dishes prepared by each of the participating chefs, while a panel of judges will determine the best dishes. The event will also include live and silent auctions featuring gourmet-themed packages created by the chefs, live music and entertainment.
 
“This is a night where top area chefs come together for one purpose, to help raise crucial funds to grant wishes right here in eastern North Carolina,” said Jackie Jordan, regional development officer for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina and emcee of the event.
 
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses.  Foundation research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Since its founding, Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina granted more than 3,600 wishes; more than 1,000 in the past five years alone. Funds raised at Wish Upon a Chef will give the wish experience to local children with critical illnesses.
 
Sponsorship opportunities remain for companies and individuals. Sponsorship information and more details on the event can be found on the event's website.
 
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