Chefs who Share has once again raised over R2 million in aid of Youth Development.
Held this year for the first time in Johannesburg, with the Maslow Hotel Sandton playing host to the Art Preview cocktail evening. The full week of events exceeded the expectations of Barbara Lenhard and Florian Gast, founders of Chefs who Share and trustees of the Chefs who Share Trust.
This unique event is based on the generous donations from participants, sponsors and guests.
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The event itself is a culinary achievement which draws on the time and unique culinary talent of 14 top local and international chefs. They are flown in to collaborate with seven acclaimed sommeliers [wine waiters] to create seven different expertly-paired, gourmet menus for 252 guests on the gala evening when works by high-calibre artists, collectable items and unique experiences are auctioned.
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A work donated by Jimmy Law, with an estimated value of R45 000, unleashed highly competitive bids among guests at the grand gala, held at the Johannesburg City Hall, with the auctioneer announcing the closing bid at an incredible R245 000! Another painting, donated by artist, Eugenia Chapman Campbell with an estimated value of R28 000, was also an auction highlight with the successful bidder offering an unchallenged R110 000.
Another highlight from the Grand Gala was the announcement of the second-ever recipient of the Chefs who Share – Young Chef Award. This year, two young chefs were announced as joint winners: Anand Bhana, junior sous chef at Hartford House; and Lee-andra Govender, junior sous pastry chef at Roots at Forum Homini.
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“These two young talents won over the esteemed judges for their skills, team spirit and personality to represent our country and Chefs who Share, locally and globally,” said Lenhard.
Both chefs will receive substantial local recognition and will be flown to Europe by sponsor Swiss International Air Lines to work in a Michelin-star restaurant and to visit the headquarters of Moët & Chandon in Épernay, France to experience the culinary and oenological highlights of Champagne.
“We are exhausted, but proud, humbled and grateful. The quality of events increase every year and the support is constantly growing. We look forward to taking the initiative to even greater heights next year by uniting philanthropists through their love of food and art and, ultimately, through their passion for sharing and for giving back to the community,” concluded Lenhard.