2026 Chefs for Change

Two incredible Events for one great cause!

Chefs for Change is back with two unforgettable opportunities to gather around great food and an even greater cause.

Join us on June 4 for the retro-inspired Raisin’ the Roof, a mixer modeled after those block parties from back in the day! Featuring small plates from Durham favorites and exciting new hot spots, this lively evening is designed for connection. Meet the chefs, mingle with fellow community members, and learn more about how Families Moving Forward partners with families navigating homelessness as they build stability and work toward long-term thriving.

Later this season, we’ll host our annual Chefs for Change Gala and Auction, an elevated culinary experience featuring a thoughtfully curated multi-course meal with each course crafted by a talented and renowned local chef. The evening begins with a silent auction, open for bidding from home or in the room, and culminates in an exciting live auction that brings the energy and inspiration.

More details, chef announcements, and ticket information will be available soon. Stay tuned. We cannot wait to share what we are cooking up!

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.