News Summary
KidWorks, a Santa Ana nonprofit, hosted its 5th annual Festival of Chefs at Newport Beach Country Club, raising over $900,000 for youth educational programs. The event highlighted community support and culinary talent with contributions from local restaurants. Celebrated chef Graeme Blair was honored with the 2025 Honorary Chef Award. KidWorks has consistently enabled nearly all its students to graduate on time and pursue higher education. The festival showcased dedication to enriching education in under-resourced neighborhoods while supporting local youth.
Santa Ana – KidWorks, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Ana, held its 5th annual Festival of Chefs at the Newport Beach Country Club, raising over $900,000 to support educational and cultural enrichment programs for local youth. This annual culinary event attracted a sold-out crowd, showcasing the strong community support for KidWorks’ faith-based initiatives.
For the past decade, nearly 100% of KidWorks’ school students have graduated on time and accessed higher education opportunities, demonstrating the effectiveness of its programs. Since its inception, KidWorks has raised a total of $5 million through the Festival of Chefs, illustrating a significant commitment from the community to strengthen educational outcomes in under-resourced neighborhoods.
The event was hosted by Graeme Blair, the executive chef of Newport Beach Country Club, who managed a team of 60 chefs and food specialists from Orange County. This collaboration highlighted the region’s dedication to culinary excellence and community service. Event committee members included chair Cory Adler, Pat Merrell, Tim Strader Jr., with various sponsors such as Lisa Adler, Camille Strader, and many others contributing to the effort.
Key presenting sponsors for the festival were Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, while platinum sponsors included Stacy and Greg Brown, the Johnsons, and the Teams. Additional sponsors such as Bank of America, US Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Vivante, and Integrad Senior Living played a pivotal role in the event’s success.
The Festival of Chefs featured culinary contributions from esteemed local restaurants, including Balboa Bay Resort, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, Hotel Laguna, and Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. These culinary participants not only showcased their culinary prowess but also underscored their role in supporting youth programs aimed at improving educational opportunities.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the 2025 Honorary Chef Award to Graeme Blair, recognizing his contributions and commitment to giving back to the community. The festival also included a silent auction, live music, and a video presentation that illustrated KidWorks’ impactful work with local youth.
KidWorks has been operational for over 30 years, focusing on academic support, college and career readiness programs, and leadership development for children and teenagers in under-resourced neighborhoods. The organization recently reported that approximately 75% of its college students returned to school this fall, reinforcing its commitment to education and success.
As the Festival of Chefs continues to grow, it not only raises essential funds but also spreads awareness about the challenges faced by youth in Santa Ana and surrounding areas. KidWorks invites anyone interested in supporting its mission or learning more about its programs to visit their official website at kidworksoc.org.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Irvine Restaurant Fire Promptly Contained by Firefighters
Orange County Restaurants Ordered to Close and Reopen
Adia Reignites Fine Dining Experience in Orange County
The 8th Annual Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns
5th Annual Festival of Chefs Raises Over $900,000 for KidWorks
Irvine Hosts Rafu Shimpo Umami Fest
Annyett Royale Hosts Music Meets Fashion Charity Event
Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Beach
Annual Festival of Chefs Set to Delight Food Lovers
Newport Beach Debuts Relish Food, Wine and Spirits Event
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: KidWorks Festival of Chefs
- Newport Beach Independent: Festival of Chefs Raises $900,000
- Orange Coast Magazine: Scene and Seen – KidWorks Festival
- Newport Beach Independent: Chefs Serve for Charity
- Orange County Business Journal: Philanthropy 225
- Wikipedia: Youth Charitable Organizations
- Google Search: Community Support Educational Programs
- Google Scholar: KidWorks Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nonprofit Organization
- Google News: KidWorks Festival of Chefs
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
