Chef’s Night for No Kid Hungry
Gaskins on Emma Presents
Hosted at Jones Center
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 5pm
20 Acclaimed Chefs. 5 Gourmet Courses.
One Night to Help End Childhood Hunger.
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience Benefiting No Kid Hungry.
Hosted by Jason Suel, a familiar face from Good Day NWA on KNWA, known for spotlighting the people and causes that strengthen our community.
You’re invited to an exceptional evening that brings together great food, community, and impact! The event features tastings from 20 nationally recognized and regional chefs, presented in a thoughtfully curated multi-course dining experience. Every element of the night is designed to deliver outstanding hospitality while supporting the mission of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, locally and nationwide.
The 2026 dinner brings together chefs from across the country and the region, organized into collaborative teams of four per course. Each team is led by an experienced guest chef and supported by local restaurant partners to ensure consistency, quality, and seamless execution—allowing chefs to focus on creativity while delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Culinary Teams
Course 1 — Red Team (Cold Appetizer)
Team Lead: Ted Cizma — Local LA Catering & Events, Los Angeles
Rei Wibowo — Rein Sushi & Hibachi
Bari Abe — Rein Sushi & Hibachi
Sam Walker — Gaskins on Emma
Course 2 — Yellow Team (Hot Appetizer)
Team Lead: Lambert Givens - Hunter's Kitchen & Bar, Boston
Jason Knapp — Performance Foodservice
Coby Smith — CARTI
Maudie Schmitt — Café Rue Orleans
Course 3 — Green Team (Fish Course)
Team Lead: Joe Flamm — Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse, Chicago
Sammy Sayvongsa — Gaskins on Emma
Will Mauk — Bienvenue and Bistro 16
Elliot Hunt — Atlas
Subject to change
Course 4 — Blue Team (Meat Course)
Team Lead: Vinnie Cimino — Cordelia, Cleveland
Darwin Beyer — Meiji
Hayne Begley — Nosh Nola
Neal Gray — The Preacher’s Son
Course 5 — Purple Team (Dessert)
Team Lead: Rebecca Masson — Fluff Bake Bar, Houston
Vince Pianalto — Brightwater
Rachel Anderson — Theo’s
Rob Nelson — Brightwater
Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions: Guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions should notify us in advance. Please email development@thejonescenter.org or call (479) 725-4512.
Sponsorship Opportunities and Ticket Reservations
Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $5,000. Event tickets are on sale now! Reserve a table for eight at $2,000 or purchase individual tickets for $250. Net proceeds directly support the No Kid Hungry mission to end childhood hunger in America.
Sponsor or reserve your seat or table today!
Event Partnership and Impact
Jones Center is proud to serve as the fiscal agent of this event. Net proceeds will support the No Kid Hungry national campaign, helping provide children with consistent access to nutritious meals.
About No Kid Hungry
No Kid Hungry is a national campaign of Share Our Strength dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America. Through proven programs and community partnerships, the organization works to ensure every child has access to healthy food to grow, learn, and thrive.
Chefs’ Night is a Northwest Arkansas signature fundraising initiative that brings together chefs, culinary leaders, and the community in support of this mission.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Through the power of food, hospitality, and generosity, Chefs’ Night raises critical funds and awareness, transforming passion into action so no child goes hungry in a nation of abundance. We are deeply grateful for the partners who make this evening possible.
