Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina will host its signature culinary event, Wish Upon a Chef, at UNCW’s Burney Center on Nov. 30.
 
Wish Upon a Chef is a gourmet food-tasting event featuring tableside service and the chance to cast for diners to vote for their favorite dish. Four chefs will compete in each of the following categories: appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Guests will cast their votes electronically following each course.
 
Some of this year’s participating restaurants include Slainte Irish Pub, Milner’s Café and Catering, Kefir Complete, Clean Eatz, Chopt, Savorez, Nino’s Cucino Italian of Greenville, UNCW Catering, Grand Cru Food and Wine, Catch, Catering Thyme, Mama Rocks and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
 
“This is a very big commitment on the part of these chefs, and they really go all out to help us make this event a success,” said Janis Netherland, director of philanthropy for Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.
 
The evening also features food-themed auction packages, live entertainment and the stories of local Wish families. Actor and comedian Orlando Jones and Jackie Jordan will host the evening.
 
The main purpose of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. This year, Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since its inception, the chapter has granted more than 3,400 life-changing wishes to local children. On average, Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina grants more than 200 wishes a year, and there are nearly 300 children waiting for their wishes to be granted.
 
“Because each of these chefs are willing to donate their time as well as all of the food served at this event, they truly are helping us grant wishes,” Netherland said.
 
Table sponsorships and individual tickets can be purchased by visiting the event's webpage.
 
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