2026 Chefs for Change

Two incredible Events for one great cause!

We are still planning the details for our 2026 series, and we’ll be sure to let everyone know what our plans are! Using 2025 as a benchmark, 2026 is going to be extraordinary!

2025 Chefs for change

Thank you All for the phenomenal support!

In 2025, we raised nearly $190,000 in support from Chefs for Change!

Did you have the chance to join us at our Annual Gala and Live Auction on November 6, 2025, at The Cookery? We hope so! The Gala featured a one-of-a-kind sit-down dinner, with five acclaimed local chefs - Matt Kelly, Aaron Benjamin, Gray Brooks, Michael Lee, & Chris McLaurin - who generously donated their time and incredible talent! The evening was capped off by a lively auction that had everyone raising their paddles to support children and families experiencing homelessness in Durham! We raised $150,000 and we’ll share photos soon!

We hope that you joined us May 22, 2025, at The Lincoln on Geer for Cirque du Support! A carnival-inspired mixer, Cirque featured small plates from 4 local chefs/chef teams—Billy and Kelli Cotter (Toast), Aaron Louv (NanaSteak), Seth Gross (Bull City Burger and Brewery), and Chetan Vartak (Viceroy)— fun games & activities, and dessert from Lutra Cafe & Bakery. We raised $36,000 to support FMF’s efforts to end family homelessness in Durham! Check out photos from the event (courtesy of Scoville Photography).

Chefs for Change

Chefs for Change is a fundraising dinner series that pairs the burgeoning Durham food scene with the needs of families experiencing homelessness. This is more than a dinner – this is a fine dining experience with a purpose.