Dan’s Legacy’s 11th Annual Chefs’ Charity Dinner raised $77,685 to support youth counselling and its “Build a Kitchen” campaign.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, 118 guests gathered at the historic Freemasons Hall in New Westminster for the dinner, presented by the BCGEU.
From the GLV archive: this story covers the 2024 fundraiser. The programme figures below were reported at the time.
Hosted by celebrity MC Erin Cebula, the dinner showcased a remarkable lineup of local culinary talent, including Chef Shay Kelly (LACH & KEA Culinary Consultants), Chef Andrew Brazeau-George (Ono Collectives), Pastry Chef Alannah Peddie (Frolic & Forage Catering + Cakery), and Chef Luke Willingdon with students from Dan’s Diner. True to the organization’s values, every dish was crafted using surplus food, highlighting the chefs’ creativity and commitment to sustainability.
A Culinary Celebration for a Cause
The evening began with appetizers by Chef Luke Willingdon and the Dan’s Diner team—a trio featuring Beet & Ginger Soup, a Grilled Tiger Prawn Skewer, and an Asian-inspired Shredded Beef Wonton “Taco.”
Next, Chef Andrew George and his son Chef Andrew George Jr. offered a duo of Elk Goulash and a Three Sisters Salad, honouring their Indigenous culinary heritage. Guests also enjoyed a Crudités and Cheese Grazing Table near the bar, encouraging mingling throughout the cocktail hour.
For the entrée course, guests dined on Grilled Beef with Mashed Potatoes, accompanied by Autumn Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding, and a Family-Style Green Salad, with freshly baked Cranberry Focaccia adding a festive local touch.
To close the evening on a sweet note, Chef Alannah Peddie of Frolic & Forage Catering + Cakery presented a stunning Dessert Buffet, featuring decadent confections that delighted every palate.
Supporting Youth, Changing Lives
At the time of this report, Dan’s Legacy anticipated providing services to roughly 700 at-risk youth across the Lower Mainland. Through harm-prevention counselling, wrap-around supports, and culinary job training, the organization empowers youth to achieve their education, employment, and recovery goals.
The organization described its programs as free of charge and accessible to youth wherever they were, with no waitlist and no barriers. In 2024 alone, the organization helped more than 600 young people on their paths toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Learn more about Dan’s Legacy and how to get involved at danslegacy.com.
