Chefs for Habitat’s 14th gala is racing forward

Chefs for Habitat is off to the races with this year’s theme: Kentucky Derby. The fundraising gala, a local favorite since 2011, raises funds for Habitat for Humanity to directly impact the residents of Wicomico County. This year the gala has a slew of featured local chefs, silent auction items, celebrities and more.

Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Christina Williams says, “The event is a way for people to become familiar with our mission at Habitat for Humanity…and have a good time while supporting the cause.”

This year, the Chefs for Habitat gala will take place on Saturday, March 8, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Dress is semi-formal and Kentucky Derby themed garb, particularly hats, are encouraged. Standard ticket pricing, with fees, is $100 per person. This event usually sells out according to Williams, so getting tickets sooner rather than later is key. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County. With last year’s gala raising $121,100, Williams hopes this growing event can make it up to $150,000 this year.

Attendees can expect a mix of food, entertainment and philanthropy throughout the evening. As usual for these galas, signature small plates developed by some of the top chefs on the shore will be in the spotlight. A stunning 26 chefs will be participating, bringing their signature dishes and style to the table. A list of these chefs is available on the official Chefs for Habitat website, but just a few of these notable names include; Nutrition Program Manager for Mac, Inc. and owner of Dinner Express Catering, Al Chandler; Sweet Addiction LLC’s co-owner Ka’Terra Dettbarn; and MayaBella’s Frank Morgan and Mel Gunderson.

Williams reflected on the growth of the event, noting that many of the chefs have been part of the event from the beginning but this is the first year she’s had people reaching out looking to be one of their chefs. “It’s fun to do. It’s a great event. I love working with my chefs.”

While she does note the event being enjoyable, she also praises the chefs for all the hard work they do to make it happen. “We’re asking them to create small dishes for 500 people on top of all the other work they do; it’s a big ask. They’re all so willing.”

There will be more than just food moving the three-hour itinerary along. The honorary chair, a champion of sorts for the event, will provide some words to attendees—check their website for the announcement of who will hold the mantle this year. A silent auction will take place where attendees can bid on a variety of lots including dinner experiences donated by the featured chefs. This will end at 9:30 p.m. during the event so attendees can leave with their winnings. Because it’s a party, music and dancing will carry on a night of fun. This year they will have a DJ on board to set the mood and get guests up on their feet.

Another fun addition to the event is the “Chefs Celebrities” competition. These local celebrities are community-minded individuals who are out and about raising funds for Habitat for Humanity as well as competing in a unique competition. The chosen individuals are from across the area and take on the task of fundraising. Past celebrities have had such a great experience, a number of newcomers join at their recommendation.  Williams shares, “It’s nice that we can give them such a positive experience that they’re willing to recruit for us.”

Before the gala, each of the 15 celebrity competitors will be tasked with choosing an item from the ReStore thrift shop to refurbish or reimagine. The results of the competition will be pre-recorded by Pac14 prior to and for the March 8 event. All of the items worked on will be available in an online auction to bid on by those who’ve purchased tickets or sponsorships.

Williams explains that the focus for the celebrity challenge was on drawing attention to the ReStore. A second ReStore location was opened up in April of 2024 and the thrift stores help fund their overall mission of, “safe, decent and affordable housing for everybody,” according to Williams. She goes on to say the competition is intended to, “raise awareness of what’s in the ReStore and what you can do with those items.”

The ReStore, Chefs for Habitat and all other fundraising efforts go towards serving the families in need in Wicomico through either renovation or building. The agency has been present in the county since 1987 and helped 92 families gain affordable home ownership. Helping them access homeownership and break out of the cycle of high rent, “resets their ability to build wealth for their families,” Williams shares.

Over time more housing support has been made possible through the agency. Their critical home repair program increases the number of families they can help as well as the support they can provide with aging-in-place home additions. They’ve recently been working on reaching veterans and people who have served as a target group—Williams wants this area of the community to know Habitat for Humanity is there for them.

Williams hopes people will come to Chefs for Habitat to get to know Habitat for Humanity and have fun. “We just want people to come out and help support the event, but also have a really good time.”