Cooking Up Dreams - A Culinary Extravaganza and Benefit

A very big THANK YOU to all those who made this event possible and to the supporters, sponsors and donors for their generous contributions!

The free flowing culinary experience was held at the Montecito Country Club and consisted of 19 chefs and restaurants, all of whom created tasty dishes from their menus for guests and celebrity judges to sample. 

On Friday, May 15th Family Service Agency’s very first Cooking Up Dreams culinary event dazzled, delighted and dished out delicious fare from several leading local chefs and restaurants.  It was an exciting, new cooking competition event and fundraiser to benefit both Family Service Agency and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County.  

Congratulations to Avery Hardin of Scarlett Begonia who won the People's Choice Award and Kurt Steeber of Cielito who won the Judge's Choice Award! Great job to all the amazing chefs who participated!

Other entertainment included music from DJ Scott Topper, a photo booth courtesy of 805 Party Pix, a chocolate fountain, hosted bar with exquisite wines and silent auction.

Guests were welcomed by the host for the evening, Santa Barbara’s own Meredith Garofalo of KEYT, Newschannel 3 who served as the Event Committee Chair and Emcee for the night. Legendary newsman John Palminteri entertained the crowd as the auctioneer for the Dream BIG live auction which featured a guitar signed by Katy Perry, South African Safari and a trip to Mexico! 

Brenda Cali of Gatherings for Good was thrilled to be included and volunteer her time to support these organizations and the contributions they make to positively impact families and individuals in the community.

To learn more about Family Service Agency, the programs they offer or to make a donation, please click here.