Chefs Serve Up Delicacies in Support of KidWorks at the 2026 Annual Festival of Chefs held in Newport Beach

Before the scent of tasty morsels cooked tableside and the peal of laughter and good cheer had vanished into the night air, ardent supporters attending the the 6th Annual Festival of Chefs for KidWorks had generously given over $920,000 to the three-decade-old Santa Ana-based nonprofit. The event was attended by more than 400 guests.

Before the scent of tasty morsels cooked tableside and the peal of laughter and good cheer had vanished into the night air, ardent supporters attending the 6th Annual Festival of Chefs for KidWorks had generously given over $920,000 to the three-decade-old Santa Ana-based nonprofit.The event was attended by more than 400 guests.

KidWorks is devoted to providing students in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.

The much-anticipated event was held Thursday, July 23 on the spacious lawn areas outside at the Newport Beach Country Club and featured the culinary talents of professionals from more than 60 Orange County restaurants and other popular food service providers. Almost $6 million has been raised for KidWorks students and programs since the Festival fundraisers began in 2021.

Sumptuous food, refreshing libations, and delicious desserts were highlights of the entertaining and inspired evening. As guests strolled through the many food and beverage stations, classical guitar music filled the air.A silent auction offered many irresistible items from fine wines and jewelry to cookware and more.

A new culinary trio at the Newport Beach Country Club – AricMatson, Diego Velasco and Victor Soto – invited all to enjoy great food for a great cause.

Other food providers from Newport Beach were:

Backstage-A-Fare – Annie Morgan, Balboa Bay Resort & Club – Prabeen Prathapa and Bert Agor Jr, Blue Water Grill – Adrian Bastida, Butterflight & Wildfork – Alan Ramirez, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific – Kevin Jones, Connected Culinaire – Chelsea Cruz, Duvalls Dishes & The Art Room LA – Robert Duvall, Haute Productions – Keith Prante, andKonpa, CDM – Jason Yamaguchi.

The list continues with Marriott Newport Beach – Jonathan Stanley, Muldoons Irish Pub – Dan Cherri, Newport Rib Company – Efren Casillas, Pendry Newport Beach– Ben Martinek, Renaissance Newport Beach – Paul Bauer, Shady Canyon – Simon Lewis, The Cannery Newport Beach – Kevin Jones, The Winery – Yvon Goetz,Thyme Well Spent – Brandon Hall, and Vivante – Michael Nirtaut and Javier Soriano.

Spirited bidding on three live auction items and a call to support KidWorks sent many bidder paddles into the air. Topping off the high-energy evening was a stirring performance by the Tijuana Dogs, a popular, local multi-faceted rock/dance/party band.

Serving on the event committee this year were KidWorks Board members Cory Alder, Bobby Gorby, Pat Merrell, and Tim Strader, Jr.Also on the event committee were Lisa Alder; Annie Gorby; Trish and Guy Johnson, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member; Tracy and Kevin Murphy, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member; plus DeDe Soto; Camille Strader; Mackenzie andCameron 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 were a Who’s Who of Orange County’s leading people and businesses.The PRESENTING SPONSORS were Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member.PLATINUM SPONSORS were Stacey and Greg Brown, The Frome Family Foundation, Trish and Guy Johnson, OneRoot Foundation, and Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group.

“We cannot thank our chefs, sponsors and donors enough for their remarkable generosity that helps our students overcome the obstacles they face to lead successful, productive lives, ” said KidWorks CEO and Executive Director David Benavides.

“In neighborhoods where resources are limited and opportunities can feel out of reach, KidWorks stands in the gap offering academic support, college and career readiness programs, and investing in the spiritual and leadership development of young people. Every student served represents a future transformed and every opportunity begins with a community that believes in them.”

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 overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a faith-driven 501(C) (3) nonprofit, we make an 18-year commitment to our students, pledging to walk with them from “Pre-K through B.A.” as we work to unleash their potential. Our mission is to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth, and catalyze their impact in the community and the world.

For over a decade, KidWorks has celebrated 100% of our high school seniors graduating on time and pursuing higher education. We are also proud to report that 72% of our college students returned to school last fall. In addition to our traditional after-school programs, we have added supplemental support to better serve the needs of our students and families, including operating a free, high-quality, state-licensed preschool.

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

.The event was attended by more than 400 guests.

KidWorks is devoted to providing students in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.

The much-anticipated event was held Thursday, July 23 on the spacious lawn areas outside at the Newport Beach Country Club and featured the culinary talents of professionals from more than 60 Orange County restaurants and other popular food service providers. Almost $6 million has been raised for KidWorks students and programs since the Festival fundraisers began in 2021.

Sumptuous food, refreshing libations, and delicious desserts were highlights of the entertaining and inspired evening. As guests strolled through the many food and beverage stations, classical guitar music filled the air.A silent auction offered many irresistible items from fine wines and jewelry to cookware and more.

A new culinary trio at the Newport Beach Country Club – AricMatson, Diego Velasco and Victor Soto – invited all to enjoy great food for a great cause.

Other food providers from Newport Beach were:

Backstage-A-Fare – Annie Morgan, Balboa Bay Resort & Club – Prabeen Prathapa and Bert Agor Jr, Blue Water Grill – Adrian Bastida, Butterflight & Wildfork – Alan Ramirez, Cannery Seafood of the Pacific – Kevin Jones, Connected Culinaire – Chelsea Cruz, Duvalls Dishes & The Art Room LA – Robert Duvall, Haute Productions – Keith Prante, andKonpa, CDM – Jason Yamaguchi.

The list continues with Marriott Newport Beach – Jonathan Stanley, Muldoons Irish Pub – Dan Cherri, Newport Rib Company – Efren Casillas, Pendry Newport Beach– Ben Martinek, Renaissance Newport Beach – Paul Bauer, Shady Canyon – Simon Lewis, The Cannery Newport Beach – Kevin Jones, The Winery – Yvon Goetz,Thyme Well Spent – Brandon Hall, and Vivante – Michael Nirtaut and Javier Soriano.

Spirited bidding on three live auction items and a call to support KidWorks sent many bidder paddles into the air. Topping off the high-energy evening was a stirring performance by the Tijuana Dogs, a popular, local multi-faceted rock/dance/party band.

Serving on the event committee this year were KidWorks Board members Cory Alder, Bobby Gorby, Pat Merrell, and Tim Strader, Jr.Also on the event committee were Lisa Alder; Annie Gorby; Trish and Guy Johnson, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member; Tracy and Kevin Murphy, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member; plus DeDe Soto; Camille Strader; Mackenzie andCameron 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 were a Who’s Who of Orange County’s leading people and businesses.The PRESENTING SPONSORS were Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, who is a KidWorks Advisory Council member.PLATINUM SPONSORS were Stacey and Greg Brown, The Frome Family Foundation, Trish and Guy Johnson, OneRoot Foundation, and Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group.

“We cannot thank our chefs, sponsors and donors enough for their remarkable generosity that helps our students overcome the obstacles they face to lead successful, productive lives, ” said KidWorks CEO and Executive Director David Benavides.

“In neighborhoods where resources are limited and opportunities can feel out of reach, KidWorks stands in the gap offering academic support, college and career readiness programs, and investing in the spiritual and leadership development of young people. Every student served represents a future transformed and every opportunity begins with a community that believes in them.”

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

###

About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a faith-driven 501(C) (3) nonprofit, we make an 18-year commitment to our students, pledging to walk with them from “Pre-K through B.A.” as we work to unleash their potential. Our mission is to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth, and catalyze their impact in the community and the world.

For over a decade, KidWorks has celebrated 100% of our high school seniors graduating on time and pursuing higher education. We are also proud to report that 72% of our college students returned to school last fall. In addition to our traditional after-school programs, we have added supplemental support to better serve the needs of our students and families, including operating a free, high-quality, state-licensed preschool.

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