Celebrity Chef Dinner in Louisville Raises More Than $140K to Feed Kids On the Weekends

Three local celebrity chefs and one of Louisville’s own mixologists came together to raise money to help end childhood hunger.

The Louisville chapter of Blessings in a Backpack hosted a “Pack the Sack” event where star-studded chefs cooked up world-class food, raising more than $140,000.

The celebrity chef dinner at The Olmsted on Friday included Food Network stars Darnell Ferguson, Jackie Joseph, Damaris Phillips and local mixologist Aften Locken.

The fundraiser aims to help feed local school-age students on weekends who are facing food insecurity.

Kim Holsclaw, managing director at Blessings in a Backpack Louisville Chapter, said she’s grateful for the outpouring support and compassion from the Louisville community.

“While this is an evening full of incredible food and fun, the reason why we have this event isn’t lost on the participants,” Holscaw said. “These students depend on us for help, and our participants and volunteers stepped up once again to ensure even more kids will receive assistance this year.”

During the sold-out event, 350 guests mixed and mingled with the chefs, bidding on auction items to raise money.

Some of the experiences up for auction were a one-week stay in a Destin condo, two Kentucky Oaks tickets on the Skye Terrace, two tickets to the Unbridled Eve Gala, a baking class with Chef Jackie Joseph, and more.

All funds raised during the event go toward providing healthy food for school-aged children in Louisville – some who may otherwise not eat until they return to school on Monday.