Chefs Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence | 7th Annual
Presented By Beginnings Credit Union, Coffee Mania, & Timeless Hearing
Hosted by Greek Peak Mountain Resort
An event to benefit the Aid to Victims of Violence Program
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring delicious and creative dishes from 20-26 local leaders and a few pro chefs, all competing for the coveted titles of Best Home Chef and Best Pro Chef! As you sample each unique creation, enjoy tastings of locally crafted brews from Homer Hops Brewing and signature wines from Treleaven Wines. Purchase a drink from the indoor or outdoor cashless bars, then dance the night away to the groovy sounds of Tribal Revival.
Come hungry, raise a glass, and celebrate an evening of great food, drinks, music, and community!
While this unique event raises fun, it also raises funds for Cortland County’s ONLY comprehensive domestic violence program, YWCA Cortland’s Aid to Victims of Violence (AVV). The event, held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlights the incredible work of our AVV staff and the crucial need for their services, such as assisting clients in obtaining orders of protection and accompanying them to the hospital or courtroom. AVV offers both off-site emergency housing as well as permanent supportive housing at Grace Brown House, where women victims of domestic violence and their children reside while they re-establish their lives.
Who will win and take home the coveted purple aprons and trophies? You decide!
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, August 19! They are available online and in person at the YWCA front desk (a discount is offered if purchasing by debit card, cash, or check; 3% fees applied to credit card purchases). Grab your tickets before October 2 to pay a discounted price of $50. After that, the price goes up to $60.
Check out our raffle baskets that also benefit the AVV program for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play an important role in making this event a success, and they’ll also have the opportunity to sample the incredible dishes prepared by our community leaders and pro chefs.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below (stay tuned for the link to go live soon!). After you’ve received confirmation for your volunteer role, be sure to reserve your event ticket here. Volunteers receive a 50% discount on tickets.
Silent Auction
We will be holding our first silent auction at the Chefs Take a Stand event this year. Stay tuned for more information!
Agenda
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Patio Opens
Purchase and enjoy drinks from the cashless bar on the patio beginning at 5:30 pm! Check out the incredible silent auction items you can bid on (through your phone!) and take a peek at the program to decide which dishes you want to try first. During this time, our participating chefs will be sampling each other’s culinary creations inside the main venue before the doors officially open to all ticketholders.
6:00 PM: Doors Open
The main doors open exactly at 6:00 pm! NO EARLY ENTRY will be allowed, as we will be holding a special tasting for our participating chefs inside the main venue from 5:30-6:30 pm.
6:00 – 7:30 PM: Dish Tasting
Make your way around the room and try to taste as many dishes as possible. Mark your favorites in your program so you can remember them when you cast your votes!
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Voting
Vote for your favorite dishes in each category as well as who you want to win Best Home Chef and Best Pro Chef. Scan the QR code in your program to vote on your phone!
7:30 – 7:45 PM: Awards
Stick around to see which chefs win the coveted purple aprons, chef hats, and trophies! After awards are given out, check your Givebutter app to see if you have won any of the silent auction items you bid on!
FAQs
Do I have to pay for parking?
No! There is free parking at The Lookout, and a shuttle will be running back and forth between the parking lot and the event venue.
Are kids allowed?
All ages are more than welcome to come! We ask that you purchase tickets for children ages 13 and older.
Is the venue handicap accessible?
There are a limited number of parking spots available for those in need behind the event venue.
Will there be live music?
Yes! Tribal Revival will return with their signature groovy tunes, so be prepared to dance. Please note that the band will be playing inside the venue, so it will be louder if you sit at tables located near the bandstand. If you desire a quieter location, select seats out on the patio or further away from the band.
What else should I know about the event?
Dress for the weather! Sometimes the only available seats are outside, and although we plan to have space heaters, October nights can be pretty chilly.
Past Event Facebook Albums
Check out how much fun attendees had at our past Chefs events while you’re waiting to attend this year’s event!
Thank You, 2026 Chefs Take a Stand Event Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
DuVall Law Offices PC
Tompkins Bank & Trust
Bronze Sponsors
Cayuga Health: A Member of Centralus Health
Contento’s
Crown Construction
Family Health Network
Kiwanis Club of Cortland
Leach’s Custom Trash Service
Premier Property Service
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
Law Offices of S. Francis Williams
Special Thanks
The Lookout at Hope Lake
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Tribal Revival
Homer Hops Brewing
Treleaven Wines
Roger William Photography
And all of our amazing Chefs and volunteers
YWCA Cortland’s 2026 Empower Partner:
YWCA Cortland’s 2026 Persimmon Partner:
