Popular Annual Festival of Chefs Serves Up $900,000 in Support of Nonprofit KidWorks of Santa Ana

Before the appetizing scent of delicious bites of seafood, pork belly, smoked brisket, and more had vanished into the night air, generous supporters attending the 5th Annual Festival of Chefs for KidWorks had reached into their wallets to raise $900,000 for the 30-year-old Santa Ana-based nonprofit. The event was attended by 450 guests.

KidWorks is devoted to providing students in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.

The much-anticipated event was held Sunday, July 27 on the spacious lawn areas outside at the Newport Beach Country Club and featured the culinary talents of professionals from more than 60 Orange County restaurants and other popular food service providers. Almost $5 million has been raised for KidWorks students and programs since the Festival fundraisers began in 2021.

Sumptuous food, refreshing libations, and delicious desserts were highlights of the entertaining and inspired evening. As guests strolled through the many food and beverage stations, classical guitar music filled the air. A silent auction offered many irresistible items from fine wines and jewelry to vacation stays, cookware and more.

The screening of an impactful video about KidWorks, successful former student Jocelyn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3DGV1wb0CE&t=1s - and its three-decade journey to transform the lives of so many deserving children further persuaded guests to give their financial support. Spirited bidding on three live auction items and a call to support KidWorks sent many bidder paddles into the air. Topping off the high-energy evening was a stirring performance by the Tijuana Dogs, a popular, local multi-faceted rock/dance/party band.

The Host Chef was Graeme Blair, Executive Chef, Newport Beach Country Club., who received the 2025 Honorary Chef Award. Said Chef Blair, “We are fortunate to work in a privileged community here in Newport Beach. It’s wonderful to see that our members and owners are so supportive of causes like KidWorks. As staff members at the Club, we want to follow their lead and give back, too. It’s the right thing to do.”

Serving on the event committee were KidWorks Board members Cory Alder, chair, along with Pat Merrell, and Tim Strader, Jr. Also on the event committee were Lisa Alder, Trish and Guy Johnson, Laticia Merrell, Tracy and Kevin Murphy, Camille Strader; David and Kyle Team, who is the KidWorks Advisory Council chair; and Sandra and Ray Wirta.

“This savory dining experience always attracts some of the finest chefs in Orange County who generously give their time and talent in support of a nonprofit that has become a beacon of light and hope to children and youth for more than 30 years,” said Alder.

This year’s sponsors were a Who’s Who of Orange County’s leading people and businesses. The PRESENTING SPONSORS were Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, a KidWorks Advisory Council member. PLATINUM SPONSORS were Stacey and Greg Brown, Trish and Guy Johnson, and Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group.

GOLD SPONSORS were Bank of America, Gage Family Foundation, Patti and Paul Gallagher, Pam and Alex Munro, Nancy Lee Giving Fund, Oltmans Construction Company, Provenio Capital, PTS Marketing Group, Dean H. Gray/Riverain Vineyards, Sacred Harvest Foundation, Sares-Regis Group, Schriber Family Fund, Camille and Tim Strader Jr., StrikeWorks, U.S. Bank, Vivante, and Wheeler Family Foundation.

SILVER SPONSORS included Allen & Friedmann Families, AltaMed, Anonymous, Baker Tilly, Sheral and Steve Burke, Deloitte, Fanticola Family Foundation Inc.,

Fifth Third Bank, Gordon Henry, Integral Senior Living. Michelle Babcock and Jeannie Lawrence, Lyon Living, Mary Murfey, and Scott Pollard/Winslow Maxwell Charitable Trust.

The list of food providers included:

Backstage-A-Fare – Annie Morgan, Balboa Bay Resort & Club – Prabeen Prathapa and Bert Agor Jr. The Bistro K – Juan Gomez and Tina Lopez, Blue Water Grill – Adrian Bastida, Butterflight & Wildfork – Alan Ramirez, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific – Kevin Jones, Connected Culinaire – Chelsea Cruz, Connected Culinaire – Chelsea Cruz., Descanso Restaurant – Jose Angulo, Deux Pates Bakery – Pierre Chambion, Duvalls Dishes & The Art Room LA – Robert Duvall, Enebla – Lula Monge, Haute Productions – Keith Prante, Hotel Laguna – Lucio Gomez, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach – Manfred Lassahn, Il Sole La Nuova Cuicina – Luis Mena, Flaky Apple Pie Co. – Brooke Cazier, Konpa, CDM – Jason Yamaguchi, and Lorea Restaurant, Pasea Hotel – Scott Rackliff.

The list continues with Macheen Food Events – Jonathan Perez, Marriott Newport Beach – Jonathan Stanley, Melissa’s Variety Produce, Messi Burger – Jason Aviles, Mochimas – Jennifer Nguyen, Muldoons Irish Pub – Dan Cherri, Newport Rib Company – Efren Casillas, Oak Grove Organic Farms, OC Local Honey – Christine Ferrian, Oceans & Earth – Adam Navidi, Pascal’s Kitchen Pascal Olhats, Pacific Pearl & CAVA – Michael Campbell, Pendry Newport Beach – Ben Martinek, Pinkiwi Private Events – Kimmy Wilson, Renaissance Newport Beach – Paul Bauer, Roys – Michael Pascua, Salt Creek Grille - Armando Promotor-Chontal and Mark Johnson, Santa Ana Sweets - Rick Boxeth, Seabutter – Peter Moon, Seahorse Restaurant – Antonio Roa, Shady Canyon – Simon Lewis, SHOR – Corina Rodriquez, Sugar + Grain Baking Co. - Casey Curley, Taste Collective – Chris Tzorin, The Black Marlin Restaurant in Old Town Tustin – Noah Almazan, The Cannery Newport Beach – Kevin Jones, The Winery – Yvon Goetz, The Tea House on Los Rios – Julio Perez, Three Pug Café & Bakery – Heather McCleod, Thyme Well Spent – Brandon Hall,

Truffle Boyz & Girlz – Rocky Ancian, Vivante – Michael Nirtaut and Javier Soriano

Wanderlust – Lauren Smith, Westwood Coast – Jayro Martine, and XACalli Kitchen – Vincent Espinoza.

Wine and libation sponsors included:

Batch 22, Bianchi Winery, BOMANI, Brashley Winery, Brewery X, Chris Hamilton Cellars, Cooper Spirits, Daou, Earl Stevens Wine, E. Quarenta, Estaca Bacanora, Golden Eagle Vodka, Guidance Whiskey Hetchy, Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Kuiper Belt,

Levendi Winery, Mezcal, Moongoat Coffee Roasters, Navarro Winery, Nestle Waters, Oakville Ranch, PINAQ, Players Vodka, Reed Holland Wines, Santos Spirits, and Sinegal Estate Winery.

“Since its founding over 30 years ago, KidWorks has remained rooted in faith and the belief that a child’s zip code should not determine their future,” said KidWorks CEO and Executive Director David Benavides.

“In neighborhoods where resources are limited and opportunities can feel out of reach, KidWorks stands in the gap offering academic support, college and career readiness programs, and investing in the spiritual and leadership development of young people. We cannot thank our chefs, sponsors and donors enough for their remarkable generosity that helps our students overcome the obstacles they face to lead successful, productive lives.”

He said that for 30 years, KidWorks has provided a holistic platform for bright students in overlooked neighborhoods to lead a life of influence. Personalized guidance and caring mentors combined with academic achievement, leadership training, and personal development provide the building blocks for student success.

For the past decade, nearly one hundred percent of KidWorks high school students have graduated on time and have gone on to pursue higher education.

The Festival is set to return to the Newport Beach Country Club on July 12, 2026. To learn more about KidWorks, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.

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About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a 501(C) (3) nonprofit, KidWorks makes an 18-year commitment to its students walking with students from “Pre-K through B.A.”

KidWorks Develops Students Who Are:

• Life Ready: Developing the whole person so they can make wise decisions and thrive

• Learners: Educating students so they have a brighter future

• Leaders: Preparing young leaders who make a difference

The outcome is self-reliant young adults who are equipped to succeed in life and are motivated to give back.

For nearly a decade, KidWorks celebrated that almost 100% of our high school seniors graduated on-time and all continued their education. We are also proud to report that 75% of our college students returned to school this fall. In addition to our traditional after school programs, we added supplemental support to better meet the needs of our students and families.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.