Press Release: Chef Jonathan Gilman Wins Chopped for Charity

Chef Jonathan Gilman of True West Brewing Company Wins Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Competition

James Crosby and Crosby’s Marketplace of Concord honored at annual fundraising gala

Concord and Maynard, MA (May 6, 2024) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced that Jonathan Gilman, executive chef at True West Brewing Company in Acton, was the winner of the cooking competition at its 2024 Chopped for Charity Gala, which took place on Friday, May 3, at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. More than 200 people took part in the event, which raised over $180,000 for Open Table and its programs.

You can find information on and photos from the 2024 Chopped for Charity Competition here: https://www.opentable.org/chopped/

James Crosby and Crosby’s Marketplace of Concord were honored at the event for their many years of dedication and commitment to Open Table’s mission. Local dignitaries in attendance included State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representatives Simon Cataldo and Danillo Sena.

Once again, television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto served as the Master of Ceremonies.  Chef Jonathan Gilman captivated the judges’ palates with his colorful cod fish tacos with rhubarb pico de gallo, which edged out Chef Vivian Duque’s steak with potatoes and plantains in rhubarb sauce and Chef Jason Jernigan’s greek yogurt cavatelli with pan seared scallops.  The mixology competition went to Samantha Hughes, whose Italian Refresher just topped Jordan Mackey’s more Mexican-themed cocktail.

This year’s Chopped for Charity also featured a silent auction as well as competitive bidding for a variety of restaurant and in-home dinners prepared by both current and prior competition chefs. Guests enjoyed a light meal and delicious desserts from the Open Table kitchen. 

The judging panel included EdibleBoston editor-in-chief and publisher Sarah Blackburn, former Open Table executive director Jeanine Calabria, and audience member Julie Whiteneck, who won the third judging position in an auction prior to the start of the competition.

“Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Gala brings together our community of volunteers and supporters in a fun-filled evening that revolves around food,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “With 200 in-person attendees, the event surpassed our fundraising goal and will provide much needed resources to meet the growing demand we are seeing.   We are fortunate to have such a strong, supportive coalition of people willing contribute to our mission to end hunger in our local community.”

“Once again, Open Table supporters came out in force to support our mission to address hunger in our local community and to participate in the Chopped for Charity event,” said Jonathan Magasanik, Open Table BOD member and Chopped for Charity Co-Chair. “The gala has become a venue to celebrate all the people – from our volunteers to the neighborhood businesses – who make it possible for Open Table to execute its pantry and meal programs throughout the year.”

Photo Caption: Winning chef Jonathan Gilman of Acton’s True West Brewing Company at the Open Table Chopped for Charity gala

Photo Caption: Open Table executive director Alexandra DePalo, honoree James Crosby of Crosby’s Marketplace, and Mary Siegel, president of the board, at the Open Table Chopped for Charity gala

Photo Caption: Adam Stark of Deborah’s Natural Gourmet, Open Table executive director Alexandra DePalo, and State Representative Simon Cataldo at the Open Table Chopped for Charity gala

Photo Caption: Kristin Canty, Susan Reynolds, Jeanine Calabria, and Patty Shepard at the Open Table Chopped for Charity gala

About Open Table

Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. The organization works to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

Media Contact:

Joan Geoghegan
[email protected]
978-371-3921