Cooking up for charity Chefs prepare to raise $30,000 for mayor’s Christmas appeal

l

Far North

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

A TARGET of $30,000 has been set for a five-star cocktail party that is raising money for the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Cheer Appeal.

In its fourth edition, the 5-star Chefs for Charity returns next month with a new format and an underwater theme.

The culinary expertise of four of the city’s top chefs will come together once again for the 5-Star Chefs for Charity event which will see a shift from the classic dinner towards a more relaxed cocktail party by the pool of the Pullman Cairns International on Saturday, August 12.

First held in 2020 as the signature fundraiser for the Christmas appeal, the event brings together the executive chefs from Hilton Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La and Pullman Reef Casino for a delectable meal to remember.

Launching the annual appeal last Friday, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the renowned event would bring some joy to a very challenging year for the community.

“Over the last few years, the 5-Star Chefs for Charity events have raised $120,000 and it would be good if this year we could get that total up to $150,000 at this year’s event,” he said.

“This year rather than a sitdown dinner we’ll be having a cocktail party around the pool, which will keep it fresh and engaging and, in the spirit of the tropics, we’ve gone with an underwater theme.

“There will be cocktails, canapes, live entertainment, as well as fundraising auctions, so be sure to bring your credit card. Ultimately, this transcends to 1000 hampers that will go to people in this town who wouldn’t otherwise have that.

“We’ve got families struggling, housing crisis, cost of living so thank you for pull- ing an extra weight so we can look forward to our effort of the Christmas appeal.”

Pullman Cairns International general manager Scott Grant said the hotel was proud to be partner and supporter of the appeal. “This is the fourth year of the 5-Star Chefs event and it’s fantastic that the hotel team at Pullman Cairns International can host this fabulous event,” he said. “As the mayor mentioned it’s great to contribute and assist however we can.

“We’re all part of the same community and are working together as hoteliers to do what we can.”

Tickets are $140 and limited to 200 people, on sale at www.eventbrite.com.au