Next Top Chef competition hopes to raise $5K

The 2nd Annual Saipan’s Next Top Chef fundraising competition hopes to raise $3,000 to $5,000 for the benefit the non-profit group Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation.

Patterned after the hit television cooking show, Saipan’s Next Top Chef is slated for July 28, Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm at Charley’s Cabaret of Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

The competition is open to all cooks or chefs who will be asked to prepare under a time limit of 20 minutes a main entrée using Certified Angus Beef and fresh local ingredients.

Entry fee for interested contestants is $50 per competitor. Entries will be judged by three non-chef community members.

Vicky Benavente, one of the volunteers for the fundraising event, said in an interview that they already have five competitors for the event, which will be announced in the coming days.

She said last year’s event was “very successful” that the community wanted it to be a regular activity in the community.

Benavente, PIC Saipan executive assistant, said they are excited to have renowned Guam chef Peter Duenas to host the show, which is sponsored by the Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, PIC Saipan, Joeten Enterprises, and Certified Angus Beef.

While Benavente noted that the target amount to be raised is a bit high, she said they are optimistic to surpass last year’s figures.

“Any little amount we raise will go a long way with the charity,” Benavente told Saipan Tribune.

Proceeds from the event will go to Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, which is committed to meeting the needs of the poor in our communities and making a difference in the lives of orphans, street children, and widows to help them realize their full potential.

“We carry out our work in multiple countries, working hard to tackle the root causes of poverty and focusing especially on women as they are the major contributors to the advancement of the entire family,” the foundation’s website states.

Benavente said that last year, Empty Vessel distributed school supplies to students at Oleai Elementary School as well as paid for tuition fees of young school children in the Philippines and in Kenya.

She urged the public to support this year’s Saipan’s Next Top Chef. “It’ll be a fun event to bring the family and raise money for a good cause,” added Benavente.

Tickets to the event cost $10 per person age 4 years or older. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Vicky Benavente at 237-5103 or vickybenavente@gmail.com; Shelli Neal at 287-2368 or shellineal@gmail.com; or Rose Smith at 483-0162 or roseevm@yahoo.com.