Autism Speaks 2014 Chef Gala

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, presents the Cleveland Chef Gala. Hosted by The Chew’s Chef Michael Symon, this unique, large-scale culinary extravaganza features Cleveland’s finest chefs cooking their signature dishes to help raise funds and awareness for families and individuals impacted by autism. The evening will also include special guest Mario Batali, who will join Symon on-stage for an interactive dinner preparation.

The event is taking place on Saturday, August 9th at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Tasting tickets include entry at 6:30PM for a Cocktail Reception and Cleveland Chef Tasting. The Interactive Dinner Preparation by Michael Symon and Mario Batali begins at 8:30PM, and all tasting tickets include a small plate version of the dish that the celebrity chefs will be preparing live. Higher level sponsorships are still available.

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $500 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

The evening begins with a silent auction, followed by a culinary tasting prepared by Cleveland’s most renowned chefs. Guests will be entertained as Michael Symon and Mario Batali prepare dinner live on-stage where guests will be able to bid for a chance to sit on stage with the Iron Chefs through live auction. Sponsors receive a sit-down version of the meal, while ticket purchasers will receive small plates. Other live auction packages featuring exclusive packages and unique items will also be offered.

Tickets to the tasting portion of the Cleveland Chef Gala begin at $200 per person. For more information, visit here.

Or, you have the chance to win two tickets here! Use the Rafflecopter giveaway below, and I will select a random winner on Tuesday, August 5th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Participating Chefs:
Michael Symon and Mario Batali
Tim Bando - Grove Hill
Jonathan Bennett - Moxie, Red
Derek Clayton – Michael Symon Resturants
Britt-Marie Horrocks Culey - Coquette Patisserie
Brian Doyle - Sow Food & Beachland Ballroom
Brandt Evans - Pura Vida, Blue Canyon
Anna Harouvis - Anna in the Raw
Chris Hodgson - Hodge's, Cibreo, Driftwood Catering, Bin 216
Jeff Jarrett – AMP 150
Douglas Katz - fire, The Katz Club Diner, Provenance
Tim Monsman – Market District
Matt Mytro – flour
Fabio Salerno – Lago & Gusto
Jonathon Sawyer - Greenhouse Tavern, NoodleCat, & Trentina
John Selick – University Hospitals – Ahuja Medical Center
Karen Small – Flying Fig
Dion Tsevdos – Cheese Shop, Urban Herbs, & Classic Seafood
Jill Vedaa - Rockefeller's
Rocco Whalen - Fahrenheit, Rosie & Rocco’s Tacos
Eric Williams – Momocho, El Carnicero

It's a great chef lineup, from local talent to big-name stars, and all for a good cause.

Disclosure: I was provided with two media passes and two Tasting Tickets to give away, in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are 100% my own.