Tickets are now on sale for Tasmania’s Variety of Chefs Gala Ball, a charity dinner bringing together some of the state’s top culinary talent to raise money for kids doing it tough.
The event, now in its seventh year, will be held at Wrest Point in Hobart on Saturday August 22.
Guests will enjoy a four-course degustation featuring premium Tasmanian ingredients paired with local wines and beverages.
This year’s chef lineup includes Karen Jones of Derwent Estate, Matthew Adams of Timbre Kitchen, Wrest Point’s Luciano Pasa and Jeff Workman and Paul Foreman.
Variety Tasmania chief executive Mohammad Aldergham said the needs of children in the community was growing.
“We are seeing more children who need support to access everyday opportunities many of us take for granted,” he said.
“What gives us hope is the way Tasmanians rally around each other in times of adversity.”
Aldergham said every ticket sold helps deliver practical support, programs and experiences for children who’d otherwise miss out.
“We are incredibly grateful to the chefs who generously give their time and talent, and to the Tasmanian producers who contribute such exceptional food and beverages,” he said.
“This event is a true showcase of community and what can happen when people come together for a shared purpose.”
Money raised will go towards Variety’s programs and grants, including creative arts therapy, kids sports days and the Motor Mouth Camp.
Variety Tasmania supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.
Over the past year, the charity supported 26,693 children across the state through programs, grants and community projects.
It delivered 82 program activations and allocated 124 grants totalling more than $556,000.
Its School Breakfast Club, which started as a four-school pilot in 2022, has grown to 76 schools and now provides 18,872 children with breakfast every school day.
That program helped inform a state government commitment to deliver daily breakfast to every child in every government school by 2028.
Wrest Point executive chef Luciano Pasa said he’s proud to be involved for the first time in his current role.
“This event is about more than great food,” Pasa said.
“It is about using what we do to create something bigger than ourselves.”
“Knowing it helps support Tasmanian kids makes it incredibly rewarding.”
Returning chef Paul Foreman said the night stands apart from other events.
“You have some of Tasmania’s best talent in one kitchen, incredible local producers behind the scenes, and a room full of people ready to give back,” Foreman said.
“Every plate served and every dollar raised helps create opportunities for kids who might otherwise miss out.”
Tickets are now on sale at tas.variety.org.au.
