Love, hope, generosity and trifle to be served at the 8th OzHarvest CEO Cookoff

AUSTRALIA's leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest, is preparing a menu with a difference for their annual fundraiser, the CEO CookOff to be held on Monday, March 25 at Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries.

The unique charity event brings together over 200 of Australia’s industry leaders and corporate teams with 50 top chefs to create and serve a gourmet dinner made with love, hope, generosity and new this year, six versions of the humble trifle made by a team of world famous dessert chefs. 

More than 1,400 special guests from charity agencies across Sydney will enjoy the gastronomical delights prepared by the likes of Matt Moran, Neil Perry AM, Guillaume Brahimi (Bistro Guillaume), Jacqui Challinor (Nomad), Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules) and Rob Cockerill (Bennelong). General David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Hurley will join the kitchen action and guests will be entertained by a live performance from Aussie legend Daryl Braithwaite. 

This year OzHarvest founder and CEO, Ronni Kahn has set the stakes high for the business leaders, with a fundraising target of $3million which will provide six million meals to people in need.

“Thanks to the competitive nature of CEOs, OzHarvest has the perfect platform to raise crucial funds to keep our wheels turning and I’m thrilled that over $1million has been raised already,” said Ronni. “Food is a beautiful connector and this unique event allows people from all different backgrounds to come together, break bread and enjoy a night of real humanity, experiencing the magic of what matters.”

In addition to fuelling food rescue operations around the country, a long-standing partnership with BP ensures OzHarvest can bring this annual event to life. BP president Andy Holmes is handing over the spatula to Tanya Ghosn, general ,manager Castrol ANZ, who will be cooking up a storm in the kitchen on the night.

“This is our third year supporting this special event and, once again, the whole team across our BP and Castrol brands are energised to make a difference in the lives of those Australians who need it most. In 2019, as BP celebrates 100 years of operations in Australia, we are incredibly proud to continue our support of OzHarvest and their mission to Nourish our Country,” Andy.Holmes said.

Attending the event for the first time is 'mum of seven', Rikki from Lomandra School in Campbelltown, where she receives OzHarvest food regularly.

“I’ve never been to anything like this before. Just to eat a meal without sharing with my kids and have a night out with my husband alone is something I haven’t done in a very long time. I couldn’t get by without the food OzHarvest delivers to Lomandra, fresh fruit and veg just wouldn’t be a part of my kids diet as it’s so expensive,” Rikki. said.

Tabcorp Holdings and their CEO Adam Rytenskild are topping both fundraising leader boards with over $125,000 raised so far. Mr Rytenskild is closely followed by Adrian Coseneza from the Australian Orthopaedic Association, Peter Andrews from Andrews Meats and Michael Schai from Lindt and Sprungli. 

Other corporate teams battling it out for the top spots are Woolworths, Deliotte and PwC.

There is still time to sign up and anyone can donate to the cause https://www.ceocookoff.com.au/donate

About CEO CookOff:

• CEO CookOff is OzHarvest’s flagship fundraiser and has raised $9million since  2012
• The 2018 event broke all records raising a massive $2million providing four  million meals to those in need
• Event hosted by Larry Emdur, supported by ARN’s Yumi Stynes (Kiis FM), Mike E and Emma Lisboa (The Edge 96.ONE)
• 200 industry leaders and corporate teams feed over 1400 vulnerable people
• The dessert station is a new addition to this year’s CEO CookOff and was the brilliant idea of Colin Fassnidge, who has supported the event since the beginning. Six world-class dessert chefs will be creating their own take on the  home-made trifle. The dessert station is sponsored by Lindt.
• Supporting partners: Woolworths, Amplify Kombucha, Vittoria, NSW  Department of Family and Community Services

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