Rocky Top Catering Announces the Eighth Annual Cooking for the Kids
This cooking competition benefiting Overflowing Hands will bring together eight of the Triangle’s premier chefs.
Raleigh, NC - January 8, 2026 - Rocky Top Catering is proud to announce the eighth annual Cooking for the Kids, a multi-night culinary competition uniting the Triangle’s vibrant chef community in support of an impactful local nonprofit, Overflowing Hands. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Overflowing Hands, a 100% volunteer-led 501c3 organization serving the most vulnerable children in our neighborhoods, across the United States and around the world. US Foods is the premier event sponsor.
Hosted at the elegant Millbrook Manor located at 1705 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, N.C., Cooking for the Kids offers guests an immersive dining experience where philanthropy and culinary creativity take center stage.
Throughout the competition, guests will enjoy an evening featuring two competing chefs and a six-course menu, complete with a cash bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails. Each chef will craft an appetizer, entrée, and dessert using surprise ingredients, with attendees and a panel of culinary and celebrity judges casting votes to determine which chef advances to the next round.
Photo Credit: Magdalena Stefanek Photography
Participating Chefs Include:
Kyle Teears of Whiskey Kitchen
Kyle Fletcher of Glasshouse Kitchen
Bobby McFarland of Wye Hill Kitchen
James Eason of Irregardless Cafe
Harry Monds of Lula & Sadie’s
Caleb Parker of Black Apron
Ryan Grimm of Lake Gaston
Alejandro Contreras of Tepuy Donuts
Competition Schedule:
First Round
Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
James Eason of Irregardless | Ryan Grimm of Lake Gaston
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Kyle Teears of Whiskey Kitchen | Caleb Parker of Black Apron
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Kyle Fletcher of Glasshouse Kitchen | Alejandro Contreras of Tupuey Donuts
Thursday, January 29, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Harry Monds of Lula and Sadies | Bobby McFarland of Wye Hill Kitchen
Tickets for the first round are sold at $100.00.
Second Round:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets for the second round are sold at $125.00.
Finale
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets for the finale are sold at $150.00.
Photo Credit: Magdalena Stefanek Photography
A silent auction will run throughout the competition, offering an array of exclusive packages for bidding. Chef packages will be up for auction on the night each chef competes in Round One. Additional packages will remain available for bidding throughout the event, with final winners announced at the grand finale.
Thanks to generous donations from sponsors, 100% of net proceeds benefit Overflowing Hands. This year’s sponsors include, US Foods as the premier event sponsor, Rocky Top Catering, Tito's Vodka, Trophy Brewing Co., DJ Rang, Curated Events, Once Gathered, Tabletop Media Group, Empire Distributing, Cintas, Pernod Riccard, and Magdalena Stefanek Photography. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available for those interested. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Chandler Ellis at chandler.ellis@overflowinghands.org.
More information can be found through Cooking for the Kids’ website.