“There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences.”
-Barbara Coloroso

The Visiting Nurse Association’s annual Celebrity Chef event will be held on March 24, 2021. As you likely know, this event, now in its 11th year, is one of the most celebrated events in Dallas bringing together generous supporters to raise vital funds for VNA.

Why Celebrity Chef Looks Different This Year

Given the events of the last eight months, including the significant impact the pandemic has had on our senior neighbors in need, our local restaurant scene and food service industry as a whole, it just felt right to stay close to home and collaborate with those who support VNA while giving back to those who have been challenged to stay afloat. We’ve found the best of the best to provide us with delicious and sophisticated comfort food to soothe our souls.

Julian Barsotti, chef and owner of Dallas’ favorite restaurants Nonna, Carbone’s, Sprezza, and Fachini is headlining the 11th Annual Celebrity Chef event. During the quarantine, Julian and his team quickly pivoted and created two, one-of-a-kind pop-up concepts, Ritas & Queso and The Grape Ape. Featuring Tex-Mex favorites and Italian eats respectively, the delivery and pick-up options have hit a sweet spot for Dallas diners.

Serving as Honorary Chairs are Andrea Hagar and Shelley Hudson of Food Company. As founders and co-owners of Food Company, a local custom catering company, they have been fiercely supportive of the Celebrity Chef event from the beginning. And, how fortuitous that Shelley just happens to be Chef Julian’s mom! Great taste runs in the family.

Event chairs Julie and Eric Clark and Catherine and Will Rose are leading this effort and are strategically positioning the Celebrity Chef event to focus on support, promotion, and advocacy of VNA while keeping safety top of mind.

Ensuring the Safety & Comfort of all Guests

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers. That's why this event is 100% virtual.

Your ticket includes delivery to one or more locations in the Dallas area depending upon your hosting preference. Please know that every precaution will be taken at every level to ensure the safe delivery of your food and beverages. In addition to wearing masks and gloves, each volunteer delivery driver will perform a contactless drop-off at your home. If you prefer to pick up your meal instead, that can absolutely be arranged. We will contact you in the coming weeks to discuss your preferences related to your meal delivery. Or, if you have any questions prior, please contact our event director Robin Plotkin at plotkinr@vna.org or (214) 725-3947.

Please join us for this unique experience and help us reach our fundraising goal of $700,000 to support VNA’s important mission. We look forward to seeing you virtually on March 24th.