It didn't quite make the million buck mark but the Oz Harvest fundraising effort came bloody close collecting nearly $900,000 this year from the CEO Cook Off to help disadvantaged Sydneysiders .
Just as important though was that the night fed nearly 1,000 vulnerable Sydney-siders.
40 Australian chefs (with 38 hats between them) such as celebrity TV Chef Colin Fassnidge (4inHand, 4Fourteen), Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater), Justin North (Hotel Centennial), Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar), Mike McEnearney (Kitchen By Mike), Mark Best (Marque) and Peter Gilmore (Quay) and including interstate visitors Shannon Bennett (Vue De Monde, Melbourne) and Ben Williamson (Gerard's Bistro, Brisbane) cooked with a team of 120 CEO and business supporters and with 250 volunteers to feed 1,000 homeless and disadvantaged Sydney-siders with a gourmet three course dinner.
The night started with a delicious house-made hummus, beetroot and dill dip prepared lovingly by OzHarvest’s Nourish students and Chef for a Cause, accompanied by Brasserie Bread.
Mains ranged from bouillabaisse to boeuf bourguignon to Movida and Miguel Maestre's family paella recipe. Then there was Matt Moran's family lamb recipe, Maggie Beer's roast chicken and Matt Stone from Brothl's famous nourishing soup. Enough to make everyone’s mouth water!
And dessert... Black Star Pastry outdid themselves and prepared more than 1,600 serves of their famous watermelon and strawberry cake, with a specially designed Gelato Messina served alongside and a Vittoria Coffee to finish.
Guests were treated to a spectacular performance by Karise Eden series one winner of The Voice Australia and danced the night away to the Field Brothers eight-piece band.
“Together with your help, we will continue to rescue more meals, and deliver more good quality nutritious food to people in need. We have a big vision to expand our Nutrition Education program, NEST and our hospitality training program for disadvantaged youth, Nourish. Now we can achieve this thanks to this unbelievable support,” said Ronni Kahn, Founder & CEO of OzHarvest.
You can support the cause by clicking the button below to donate or visit www.ceocookoff.com.au – donations open until April 2nd 2015
Every $1 donated means OzHarvest can deliver two meals.
Every $2 donated can provide dinner to a family of four.
$15 provides a classroom of students with a nutritious breakfast.
$84 can feed a family of four for a whole month.
$500 can help one disadvantaged youth get through the OzHarvest Nourish program.