Chopped for Charity 2024
Join us at Chopped for Charity 2024, Open Table’s annual gala and cooking competition. TV and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto returns as our Master of Ceremonies!
DATE: Friday, May 3, 2024
TIME: VIP Reception 5:30pm; General Admission 6:00pm
VENUE: Nashawtuc Country Club, Concord
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Can’t attend but want to support our mission and the event?
Chopped for Charity 2024 will feature three professional chefs competing in a culinary showdown. The evening will include dinner, silent and live auctions, and engaging activities. Additionally, VIP ticket holders will be treated to a mixology competition featuring local bartenders competing to craft the perfect drink.
We are delighted to honor James Crosby and Crosby’s Marketplace for their many years of dedication and commitment to Open Table’s mission.
This year marks Open Table’s 35th Anniversary. Celebrate with us at Chopped for Charity and support our mission to end hunger in our local community by providing healthy food in ways that respect the dignity and diversity of those served.
The festivities start in:
Until then, check out the photos, video, and results from last year’s event:
VIP Reception and Mixology Competition
Purchase VIP tickets and upgrade your night! Meet the chefs, peek behind the scenes, and experience a mixology competition.
VIPs will enjoy:
- A private cocktail reception with Chopped for Charity competitors (reception starts at 5:30pm)
- Mixology competition featuring local bartenders competing to craft the perfect drink
- Preferred seating at the main event
- Complimentary cocktail
- Swag bag, including items from mixology sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Your VIP ticket purchase will provide additional support for Open Table’s food programs and help spread even More Love, Less Hunger.
The Competition - Meet the Chefs
Three acclaimed local chefs will take center kitchen as competitors at this year’s Chopped for Charity gala. The Chefs will compete in a fast-paced cooking challenge before an expert panel of judges. How will they use the secret ingredients and how will they handle the pressure? Can’t wait to find out!
Chef Viviana Duque
Executive Chef and Owner
Panela Restaurant
Chef Viviana Duque is a distinguished Executive chef and owner of Panela Restaurant in Lowell, MA. Born and raised in Medellin Colombia, Chef Viviana embarked on a journey to the city of Lowell at the age of 15 where she has lived all her adult years. She is a Le Cordon Bleu alumna with a rich background in high-end restaurants. Fueled by passion and family support, Chef Viviana envisioned Panela as her dream of showcasing the diversity of Colombian cuisine inspired by various regions, all featuring panela as a key ingredient.
Chef Jonathan Gilman
Executive Chef
True West Brewery
Jonathan Gilman has been professionally cooking creative comfort foods in a scratch kitchen for over 15 years. He began his career at the Cambridge Brewing Company in Cambridge, and went on to open his own restaurant, called Brato Brewhouse and Kitchen, in 2019. After having some success, and winning a Best of Boston award in 2021, this endeavor eventually had to close due to financial constraints brought on through COVID. Today, Jon lives near Acton and looks to make an impact on his new community in his role as Executive Chef at True West Brewing Company.
Chef Jason Jernigan
Chef Owner, Chef Style Boston
Svenfish Chef Collaborator
Born in Portsmouth, VA, Chef Jason Jernigan’s culinary passion ignited from simple family meals and seasonal gardening with his parents and grandparents. After completing his Air Force service and working in the field of microbiology, he completed his formal training at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and Boston University, eventually finding his full passion in Mediterranean flavors. As a private chef and consultant, he shares his passion through immersive classes and innovative menus, blending tradition with innovation. He believes in the power of food to unite and heal, striving for perfection and meaningful connections.
The Judges
The Master of Ceremonies
Chef Joe Gatto
Chef, TV Host
Chef Joe Gatto
Chef Joe Gatto is a charismatic culinary expert who hosts the popular cooking show “From Scratch” on Pluto TV. He is a well-known private chef who serves A-list clients, including Celtics and Red Sox players. His NPR cooking segment, which airs monthly, has garnered a loyal fanbase, as has his national cookbook, “Seriously From Scratch.” Chef Joe is acclaimed for his immense passion for cooking, outstanding culinary creations, and his ability to bring people together with food and humor.
Honoring
James Crosby and Crosby's Marketplace
Jim Crosby worked his way through Northeastern University on the 5-year co-op plan with the Star Market Company. After graduation, he was promoted to Store Manager, Grocery Merchandiser, Seafood/Deli Merchandiser, Employment Manger and ultimately Director of Operations for 31 stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Later, Jim earned a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Babson College.
In 1980, Star Market sold off its smaller locations, including the Concord store on Lowell Road, which Jim and his wife Pat purchased. In 1997, Stop & Shop decided to leave Concord, and that presented the opportunity to better serve the community with a larger facility. Today Crosby’s operates 7 locations: Concord, Georgetown, Hamilton, Salem, Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Henry’s Fine Foods in Beverly. Crosby’s employs an excellent staff of 525 people, 20% of which have 10 years or more of service with the company.
Under Jim’s direction, the company has always been involved in the fight against food insecurity. In addition to their support of Open Table, Crosby’s works with Lifebridge in Salem, Beverly Bootstraps, and the Greater Boston Food Bank. Jim has expressed his commitment to helping those in need: “It’s hard to believe that so many people go to bed hungry in a country like this, it’s incredible. Especially children.” For decades of community service, Jim was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters for Philanthropy from Salem State University in 2011.
Jim was married to Pat, his high school sweetheart and love of his life, for 58 years. Pat passed away in 2022 of Alzheimer’s. They were blessed with 5 children and 10 grandchildren. All of their children worked in the business at one time or another. Today his son Chris is the President and CEO, and his daughter Terri is a Store Manager.