Do you love Jeremy’s Farm to Table or Boccata Restaurant? Do you enjoy the great food served at McMenamin’s Olympic Club and O’Blarney’s Irish Pub? Do you crave something sweet from Dawn’s Delectables Dessert & Sandwich Shoppe? Now you can enjoy all five in one night!
United Way of Lewis County will host their largest fundraising event, Chef’s Night Out, on Saturday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Jester Auto Museum and Event Center in Chehalis.
United Way of Lewis County is showing they are “Hopelessly Devoted to Our Community” with a 1950s Grease theme. Come celebrate ten years of Chef’s Night Out and dress the part in your favorite poodle skirt, or slip on your nicest leather jacket and slick back your hair.
This event brings together Lewis County’s finest chefs for a night of exceptional cuisine, and they are doing things a little differently this year. For the first time ever, the chefs have collaborated to create a scrumptious coursed dinner. As opposed to earlier Chef’s Night Out competitions, this year is a partnership of CHEFS UNITED.
The complete menu is a bit of a secret, but Angela French, Resource Development Director at United Way of Lewis County says the menu will follow the 1950s theme. Think family style dinner with an upscale twist. “It gives us a chance to really promote some of our local culinary talent and great chefs and restaurants we have in Lewis County,” says French. “Seeing these chefs work together is incredible.”
Boccata’s Darin Harris is serving a kicked-up Mediterranean meatloaf with an amazing sauce. One of the appetizers is upscale pigs-in-a-blanket. He and the other chefs use their time and talents to give back to the community with United Way.
Chef’s Night Out has evolved over the last ten years. “It has grown to be a beautiful culmination of everything united – from our volunteer planning committee, to our incredible chefs, to those who sponsor and support this amazing event each year,” says French. “We are truly blessed in so many ways; it is very humbling.”
This year is extra special, as the event’s tenth anniversary. Inspired by the 40th anniversary of Grease and Jester Auto Museum and Event Center’s classic cars, the 1950s theme will add a delightful element to the evening.
Boccata owner, Darrin Harris, has taken part in all the Chef’s Night Out events. “I have done a lot of events in the fourteen years I have been open,” says Harris. “I do this event every year because it gives back in a wonderful way through United Way and it’s fun. This year is different in that the chefs have designed a menu together. We always have an enjoyable time interacting with each other and having kitchen talk. We also get to interact with our customers in a different capacity.”
United Way of Lewis County is directing its attention toward lifting families out of poverty. “We are doing things in a more focused and strategic way,” says French. “Community needs are changing. Poverty rates are on the rise in the community and United Way is leading the way to convene community partners and tackle the problem from the root of the issue.”
By 2020, United Way of Lewis County will be transformed to an issue-focused United Way. They have a new mission and a bold goal to lift thirty percent of families out of poverty by 2030. This is a more long-term approach with deeper impact and long-term goals, coupled with more community collaboration.
United Way of Lewis County has formed new partnerships with Cascade Mental Health, the cities, law enforcement and public health to create a unified effort. “It’s time we came together and work as a community,” says French. “Where can we have the biggest impact?” Between those who live in poverty and those who live just above poverty.
Forty-seven percent of Lewis County struggles to meet life’s most basic needs. “We’ve got some tough challenges out there, but having these raw, honest conversations is where we begin,” says French.
Over the last nine years, Chef’s Night Out has raised over $370,000 for the community. One hundred percent of these funds go to organizations that help children and families in Lewis County. Chef’s Night Out is a fun way to give back and support the great work of United Way.
Tickets are selling quickly. They are $75 per person or $600 for a table, and are available at lewiscountyuw.com/chefs-night-out or by calling United Way of Lewis County.
United Way of Lewis County
450 NW Pacific Ave.
Chehalis
360-748-8100
Jester Auto Museum & Event Center
321 Hamilton Rd.
Chehalis
Sponsored
