“Celebrity” chefs converge for lunch Thursday at the Osborn Center to help raise funds for The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida.
From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., guests can sample recipes from Jacksonville area “celebrities.” Diners can stop for a bite at each station, where the celebrity serves a spoonful of his or her recipe. Tickets are $30 and the price includes a cookbook of the featured recipes. Parking is free.
There’s also a silent auction that starts at 10:30 a.m.
The 26th Annual Celebrity Chefs Tasting Luncheon and Silent Auction includes recipes from Mayor Alvin Brown, City Council member Lori Boyer, Council President Stephen Joost, Public Defender Matt Shirk, former Dreams Come True Executive Director Laine Silverfield, Realtor Anita Vining and other CEOs and community leaders.
“Chef” media representatives include WAWS/WTEV anchor Tera Barz, WJXT Channel 4 reporter Emily Turner and Daily Record Managing Editor Karen Brune Mathis.
The menu ranges from an appetizer of “tomato basil crostini” to desserts that include “pumpkin chocolate pound cake.” In between are salads and side dishes, bread and entrees.
The luncheon event is an annual fundraiser of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Through the annual event, the Women’s Auxiliary supports programs, including tuition scholarships for homeless children who reside in various Downtown shelters, providing their parents with peace of mind as they search for employment or undergo counseling.
Other ministries that benefit from the cause include the Child Development Center, Towers Memorial Social Services Center and Adult Rehabilitation Center.
Over the past 25 years, the event has raised more than $1.4 million, making it the largest fundraiser for the Salvation Army of Northeast Florida.
For information, visit salvationarmynefl.org.