Nine teams competed in the YMCA of Greater Michiana's 16th annual Greatest Chefs of Michiana contest.
The celebrity teams from Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan competed for top honors in front of 300 guests Oct. 15 at the Palais Royale in downtown South Bend. The event raised $140,000 for YMCA programs and services that benefit children and families.
Chef Heather Wilcox teamed up with Jeff and Jamie Haradine of Barletta Boats and WakeSide Marine on team YMCA Camp Eberhart to earn Overall Fundraising Winner. Menu items included Egyptian red lentil soup, Australian shepherd's pie, Colombian potato salad, and s'more brownies.
“This event is about more than a great evening of food and friendly competition,” said Mark Weber, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Michiana, in a press release. “It's about making sure families can access the programs and services they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
The nine teams included:
- Cinco (South Bend): Chef Leo Duran with celebrities Darryl Scott and Bianca Tirado, City of South Bend
- Copper Rock Steakhouse (New Buffalo, Michigan): Chefs Jermaine Woods and Jacob Tannehill with celebrity Brett Coppins, Coppins Investigative Inc.
- Grande Mere Inn (Stevensville, Michigan): Chef Sarah Heeter with celebrity Brett Bauer, 1st Source Bank
- McCollum's (Buchanan, Michigan): Chef Andrew Cox with celebrity Klint Pleasant, Southwestern Michigan College
- No. 6 (South Bend): Chef Amanda Schutts with celebrity Conner Creevey, Gibson
- Notre Dame Dining: Chef Laura Wiese with celebrity Patrick Turner, University of Notre Dame
- Round Barn Public House (Baroda, Michigan): Chef Lee Ketelaar with celebrity Ashley DeJonge, Lippert
- South Bend Public House: Chef Christopher Maxwell with celebrity Carla McFarland, Everwise Credit Union
- YMCA Camp Eberhart (Three Rivers, Michigan): Chef Heather Wilcox with celebrities Jeff and Jamie Haradine, Barletta Boats & WakeSide Marine
The YMCA plans to open a new childcare center in January. It also provided $1.4 million in funding for YMCA Camp Eberhart in 2025.
