Favorite Chef Competition Cooks Up $4.7M to Benefit James Beard Foundation
We are thrilled to announce the 2023 Favorite Chef Competition raised over $4.7 million to benefit the James Beard Foundation. This monumental achievement was made possible by the participation of more than 90,000 talented chefs and home cooks from around the world, each competing for the coveted title of Favorite Chef.
Beyond the culinary realm, the Favorite Chef Competition symbolizes our commitment to philanthropy here at Colossal! The competition served as a fundraising campaign for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) charity, which granted donations to James Beard Foundation (JBF).
The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to create a more equitable and sustainable future in the restaurant industry through annual awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and national events. With deep gratitude to all participants, this combined effort is evidence that the power of community and social media can create a positive impact on the world.
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for … the Public Vote and Carla’s Pick results are in!
Meet the Favorite Chef: Karen Jenkins
Karen Jenkins is the 2023 Favorite Chef!
Stemming from humble beginnings, chef Karen’s culinary passion began to blossom as a young girl. Cooking became a solace for her family, fostering connections even in the toughest times. Throughout the competition, this blessed chef drew strength from her husband's encouragement and unforeseen supporters who rallied behind her, from overseas military personnel, ICU nurses, and beyond.
Beyond the $25,000 cash prize, her upcoming feature in Taste of Home, and the exclusive cooking experience with Carla Hall, Karen's achievement carries a deeper resonance. "It's about the impact we've been able to have on others, including up-and-coming cooks," expressed Karen after her win.
Carla’s Pick: Gwyneth Christoffel
Gwyneth, a master of marketing, brings her radiance not only to the office but also to the kitchen, where her tantalizing plated presentation left chef Carla Hall in awe. Gwyneth dreams of producing an illustrated cookbook that harmonizes her lively creativity with approachable recipes. Carla’s acknowledgment is setting fire to that very dream!
About Colossal
At Colossal, we offer a fundraising platform for charities that may face limitations in executing large-scale campaigns. With each competition, we aim to provide extraordinary opportunities to individuals while simultaneously raising funds for unique and important causes. Our commitment to making a difference sizzles through our initiatives like the Favorite Chef Competition, which not only empowers chefs and home cooks, but also supports the culinary community as a whole.
