Chefs’ Charity for Children is March 16

St. Michael’s Special School’s Chefs’ Charity for Children fundraiser celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

When the doors open for the event March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside at 2 Poydras St., chef Nina Compton of Compere Lapin, recently featured on “Top Chef: New Orleans,” will join long-time chefs John Besh, Justin Devillier, Leah Chase, Tory McPhail, the Wong Brothers, chef emeritus Goffredo Fraccaro, Alon Shaya, John Folse, Andrea Apuzzo, Emeril’s David Slater, Greg Reggio and others preparing their favorite foods before a packed ballroom.

The Chefs’ Charity for Children was founded by late chef Warren Leruth who partnered with the late WWL-TV’s Phil Johnson and other chefs to raise money for St. Michael Special School, a Catholic school that educates children and adults in New Orleans who have special needs and intellectual challenges.

Tickets are $75 for the chefs’ daylong demonstrations and a buffet lunch featuring a sampling of cuisine prepared by the chefs, and a cookbook with more than 35 recipes. Wine is served with lunch.

Patron tickets with reserved seating during the cooking demonstrations, dining in the Versailles Ballroom, a meet-and-greet with the chefs and thank-you gift from St. Michael’s students go for $250 a ticket.

Proceeds benefit St. Michael Special School. Call 524-7285 or go online at www.stmichaelspecialschool.com for tickets.