News

March 21, 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Announce Annual Fundraiser Details

Excelsior Springs will host Chef’s Challenge 2018 on Thursday, May 24

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, a non-profit mentoring program for children facing adversity, announces the details for its annual fundraiser, the Chef’s Challenge. Excelsior Springs will host the event on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters is planning to raise over $45,000 at the Chef’s Challenge 2018.

The Chef’s Challenge features seven restaurants, each making a signature dish to compete in the People’s Choice food competition. Each dish will be paired with a signature cocktail or beverage. Guests will try each dish and vote for their favorite; the winning restaurant will then compete in a head-to-head competition at the next Chef’s Challenge event. The head-to-head challenge this year will feature Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen from Excelsior Springs and Chef Derek Adams from Warehouse Grill & BBQ.

“We love hosting this fun event because we see a mix of young professionals, college students, friends and family all coming together for a good cause,” said Sabrina Houser, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. “The food and drinks are always delicious, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for the community to get involved in our mission while enjoying a night out.”

The seven restaurants participating in the Chef’s Challenge 2018 include: Old Bryan Inn, 2 West Bar and Grill, Upstate Distilling, Fish on 30 Lake, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bon Bons. The presenting event sponsor is MVP Health Care, with additional sponsors including: Mack and Associates, Fenix SBT, Stewart’s Shops, BST & Co. CPA’s, LLP, Northwestern Mutual, GP Fund Solutions, Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants, M&T Bank and Pioneer Bank.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region serves almost 600 youths in the area by providing them with strong, enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. These relationships help children realize their potential by inspiring their futures, ultimately strengthening their contributions to the community. To adequately sustain a big-little mentorship, the cost is approximately $1,200 a year. Fundraising events, like the Chef’s Challenge, contribute to maintaining Big Brothers Big Sisters’ efforts to change the lives of children forever.

The Chef’s Challenge 2018 will take place at Excelsior Springs in Saratoga on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets to the event can be purchased online. Young professional tickets (under 30 y.o.) cost $50, general admission is $75, date night tickets (2 tickets) cost $112.50 and honorary committee tickets cost $150. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and can be coordinated by emailing Elena Kyprianou at elena@bbbscr.org.