Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head for the silver anniversary celebration of Christmas at The Fairmont-Dining with the Chefs.
Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head for the silver anniversary celebration of Christmas at The Fairmont-Dining with the Chefs.
The annual culinary scholarship fundraiser will be presented from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at The Fairmont Orchid, and all attendees will receive a collectible 25th anniversary wine glass.
“New this year is a convenient, online format for the event’s silent auction,” said auction chair Patti Kimball. ”The online auction enables everyone in the community to participate in our effort to provide culinary scholarships for local students and chefs.”
Using BiddingForGood, the auction opens Monday, Nov. 25, at www.konakohala.org and continues and ends at the event, which is annually presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association. Also this year, the gala moves into the Grand Ballroom to offer more seating, a video presentation on the past 24 years provided by Konawaena High School’s graphics department, live jazz and dancing, plus lavish culinary stations presented by local chefs and confectioners.
Guests can savor handcrafted ales, wines and 100 percent Kona coffee. Fun will flow outside into the courtyard for guests to view ornate gingerbread creations crafted by Hawaii Community College-West Hawaii culinary students under the direction of Chef Fernand Guiot, former owner of Kailua-Kona’s French Bakery.
All auction items will be displayed outside, where guests can continue to bid on select holiday gifts, exciting activities and private dinner parties via smart phones and mobile tablets. Volunteers will be on hand to also process bids for attendees at computer laptop stations. The auction will close at 7:30 p.m.
“Last year’s auction raised $14,000,” notes Jean Hull, event founder. “We awarded $4,000 for student tuition scholarships and $10,000 to junior chefs and members for continuing education.” Pre-sale tickets are $85 each, $90 at the door. Seating will be available for 400 guests on a first-come basis and reserved seating is available by purchasing a table for 10 for $1,000. Tickets are available at www.konakohalachefs.org or at Kailua Candy Company, Clark Realty-Kona, Kona Wine Market and The Fairmont Orchid. Charge tickets by phone at 329-2522.
American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association: ACF is the largest, professional, non-profit organization for chefs and cooks in the nation. Founded in 1980, the Kona Kohala chapter is comprised of food service professionals, vendors, growers and culinary enthusiasts.
For more information, visit www.konakohalachefs.org.