Beverly Bootstraps Announces the Return of Best Chef

Beverly, MA – Beverly Bootstraps is excited to announce the return of Best Chef, the North Shore's premier culinary fundraising event, on Friday, April 11 at the Boston Marriott Peabody. This unforgettable evening will feature a fierce competition among top local chefs, all vying for the coveted title of "Best Chef," while raising crucial funds for local families in need.

Competing for the title will be Alex Pineda of Que Mas, Bill Fogarty from Kitchen Table, and Gabe Cheung of Essex County Club. These talented chefs will battle it out, preparing dishes with ingredients sourced from Beverly Bootstraps' Food Pantry, in front of an audience of more than 250 attendees. Celebrity judges Anna Rossi and Maria Sansone will provide their expert opinions as the chefs fight for culinary supremacy.

The evening will kick off at 6:00 PM with a “Taste of the North Shore,” where guests can enjoy delicious samples from some of the area’s finest restaurants while mingling with friends. As the chefs begin their culinary showdown, attendees can place bids on exclusive seats at a special chef tasting table. Throughout the evening, a live auction, cash bar, and decadent dessert offerings will keep the excitement high.

The event highlights the impact of community support, raising funds to help meet the increasing demand for the organization’s services.

"Beverly Bootstraps is here to provide not just immediate relief, but also real pathways to stability for families in need," said Sue Gabriel, Executive Director of Beverly Bootstraps. "With more families turning to us for support, our mission has never been more critical."

The funds raised during Best Chef will help Beverly Bootstraps continue to serve over 6,000 individuals in Beverly and the surrounding communities (Manchester, Essex, Hamilton, and Wenham) with food assistance, case management, adult education, youth and family programs, and its Thrift Shop.

"Best Chef is more than just a culinary competition," Gabriel added. "It’s a night where compassion turns into action—every bite, every bid, and every shared moment helps provide real relief to individuals and families striving for stability. Most importantly, it’s an event that brings our community together, ensuring no one faces hardship alone."

Tickets for Best Chef start at $100 and are limited. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://beverlybootstraps.org/bestchef/ or call 978-927-1561.

About Beverly Bootstraps:

Beverly Bootstraps provides critical resources to families and individuals so they may achieve self-sufficiency. We offer emergency and long-term assistance including: access to food, housing stability, adult and youth programs, education, counseling and advocacy. We are community funded and supported.