VIRTUAL CHEF SHOWDOWN
MARCH 22, 2021The 2021 Culinary CHEF Showdown and auction will air online on March 22, 2021, and feature a “friendly cooking competition” between Chefs Jason Goddard and Gloria Jordan, with Showdown host Chef Brian Roland of Crave Culinaire and Crave Companies. Both Chefs will have 30 minutes to create and present a “WOW” appetizer dish using mystery basket ingredients curated by award-winning Sails Restaurant of Naples and pantry items provided by Luminary Hotel & Co. of Fort Myers.
Welcome to CHEF!
Since the scholarship fundraising organization’s inception in 2001, CHEF has been so successful that it has awarded over $350,000 to more than 220 Collier and Lee County students.
CHEF initially began in 2001 as a loosely organized group with a mission similar to CHEF’s mission today, becoming, in 2004, The Culinary and Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida, a 501(c)(3) organization. Its early fundraisers were so successful, beginning with Culinary Odyssey 2001, that the organization began awarding scholarships immediately. read more
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to serve the culinary and hospitality arts professions by providing scholarships, awards, financial incentives and skills development opportunities to deserving individuals in Southwest Florida who are committed to furthering their education and enhancing their careers.
CHEF NEWS
CHEF Cooks Up a Virtual Culinary Showdown to Support Southwest Florida Students
CHEF, the Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida, announced that Lee County-based, acclaimed Chef/Restaurateur Gloria Jordan will challenge Collier County-based, award-winning Aielli Restaurant Group’s Corporate Executive Chef Jason...
CHEF Provides $42,000 in Scholarships and Sets 2021 Event Date
The Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida, announced it will distribute a minimum of $42,000 in grants and scholarships to Collier and Lee County students who are pursuing degrees and careers in the culinary arts and hospitality...
CHEF SHOWDOWN RAISES OVER $120,000
The Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida (CHEF) Board President Taryn Cafiero announced that, “due to the amazing commitment of CHEF Board Members, generous community support and donations, the organization’s signature fundraising event...