Chefs Across Orange County Will Serve Up Delicacies in Support of KidWorks at Annual Festival of Chefs

Talented chefs from restaurants acrossOrange County, along with other popular food service providers, and wine and libation sponsors, are set to participate in the 2026 edition of the Annual Festival of Chefs to be held on the spacious lawns of the Newport Beach County Club.

This year, the event will be held on Thursday evening July 23 from 5 to 10PM.

The much-anticipated Festival benefits KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit that for more than three decades has been dedicated to providing academic, personal development, and leadership programs for children and teens in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana.

Thanks to generous supporters, over $4 million has been raised for KidWorks students and programs since the Festival fundraisers began in 2021.

Serving on the event committee this year are KidWorks Board members Cory Alder, Pat Merrell, and Tim Strader, Jr.Also on the event committee are Lisa Alder, Annie and Bobby Gorby, Trish and Guy Johnson, Laticia Merrell, Tracy and Kevin Murphy, DeDe Soto, Camille Strader, Mackenzie and Cameron Stuart, David and Kyle Team, who chairs the KidWorks Advisory Council and KidWorks Women, a women’s auxiliary group, and Holly Tarbell.

This year’s sponsors promises to be a Who’s Who of Orange County’s leading people and businesses. Herse’s a list as of March 10. The PRESENTING SPONSORS are Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member. PLATINUM SPONSORS are Trish and Guy Johnson, and Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group. GOLD SPONSORS are Schriber Family Fund, Camille and Tim Strader Jr., and StrikeWorks. SILVER SPONSORS are Michele Babcock and Jeannie Lawrence, and Gordon Henry.

“Join us for a savory culinary experience showcasing some of Orange County’s finest chefs and sample an unforgettable tasting of their exceptional creations, complemented by a fabulous selection of wines and spirits that’s all for a great cause,” said KidWorks CEO and Executive Director David Benavides.

The event will also include a special presentation by KidWorks, followed by dancing to the fabulous Tijuana Dogs band.

To learn more about 2026 sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lisa Gels at

lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org or (714) 834-9400 x126.For more about the event, visit https://kidworksoc.org/chefs.

One hundred percent of KidWorks high school students graduated on time and are pursuing higher education this fall.

To learn more about KidWorks, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.

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About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a 501(C) (3) nonprofit, KidWorks makes an 18-year commitment to its students walking with students from “Pre-K through B.A.”

KidWorks Develops Students Who Are:

•Life Ready: Developing the whole person so they can make wise decisions and thrive

•Learners: Educating students so they have a brighter future

•Leaders: Preparing young leaders who make a difference

The outcome is self-reliant young adults who are equipped to succeed in life and are motivated to give back.

For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education. ln addition to our traditional after school programs, we added supplemental support to better meet the needs of our students and families.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read our success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.