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Cooking for a cause
Turlock Gospel Mission to host ‘Top Chef’ style fundraiser
top chef event
The cooking competition will feature Chef Abraham Leon from Loza Wine and Crepes, Chef Mario Lara from Memo’s Cocina and Tequila Bar, Chef Robert Provencio from Ten Pin Fun Center and Chef Ira Berry from Center Street Grill (Photos contributed).

Some of Turlock’s culinary masters will be putting their skills to the test as they help raise funds for the Turlock Gospel Mission at the inaugural Turlock Top Chef event.

Turlock Top Chef is set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Assyrian American Civic Club. The event will include a dinner, music and a silent auction.

The cooking competition will feature Chef Abraham Leon from Loza Wine and Crepes, Chef Mario Lara from Memo’s Cocina and Tequila Bar, Chef Ira Berry from Center Street Grill and Chef Robert Provencio from Ten Pin Fun Center.

The chefs will be creating a selection of dishes within a limited amount of time that will then be presented to a panel of judges in courses. The judges will score each dish on an established criteria and then crown a winner at the end of the night.

“We had been talking for about the past year and a half about finding a signature fundraiser that could really be fun for the whole community,” said Turlock Gospel Mission spokesperson Jacquelyne Acree. “We wanted something exciting and new and something that the mission would be really excited about. People love to connect over food.”

The event will allow for the guests to get close to the work stations and watch as the chefs’ ideas come to the plate.

All the proceeds from the night will aid the work of the Turlock Gospel Mission, including the shelter, the day center and the Women’s Restoration Program.

Individual tickets are $30 and are available at Majesty Bible and Gifts at 2585 Geer Rd. or online at turlockgospelmission.org/turlock-top-chef. The Turlock Gospel Mission also is looking for sponsorships for the event, which range from $5,000 to $100. Those interested in becoming sponsors can contact Acree at (209) 846-3259.