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
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 / 6:00 – 8:00 pm @ The Lookout at Hope Lake / 2177 Clute Road, Cortland, NY

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 September 23 to pay a discounted price of $50. After that, the price goes up to $60.

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.