Waste Not’s annual Celebrity Chef Challenge typically has more than 30 restaurant and media celebrity pairings lined up for the month-long campaign that helps feed the Valley’s hungry. Due to the challenged economy, this year’s fundraiser kicked off April 1 with just 12 participating restaurants.

    “I know the restaurant sector has been hit especially hard by this economy so we are extremely grateful to the restaurants that are onboard again this year,” said Dee Mitten, executive director of Waste Not. “We just hope Valley residents will show their support for our restaurant partners, and our organization, by dining at these venues in April and ordering the Waste Not special.”

 

During Waste Not’s Celebrity Chef Challenge—a friendly competition that raises money to help feed the Valley’s hungry—local media celebrities pair up with local restaurant chefs to promote featured menu items throughout the month of April. Half of the proceeds from the sale of these featured menu items benefit Waste Not.

    Among the North Central participants in this year’s challenge are Christo’s Restaurante, paired with Clay Thompson, columnist for The Arizona Republic; Aiello’s Italian Restaurant, partnered with Rick D’Amico of Fox 10; Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, with Bruce Haffner of 3TV; and Fenix Eatery & Bar, joined by Stephanie Sandoval of KNXV Channel 15. Visit www.wastenotaz.org for a list of participating restaurants and media personalities.

    The fundraising campaign culminates with a ceremony where awards are presented to the Celebrity Chef teams that sell the most entrees and raise the most money for Waste Not.

    For more information, call 480-941-1841.