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[Event listing courtesy of Open Table]
Annual fundraiser to honor Board Chair emerita Deena Whitfield
Concord and Maynard, MA (March 17, 2025) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced the lineup for Chopped for Charity 2025 with Chef Jason Jernigan as master of ceremonies and chefs Aaron Furmanek, Jason Gentles, and Shaun Coen competing for highest honors. This year’s honoree is Open Table Board Chair emerita Deena Whitfield. Open Table will also recognize Welch’s as a valued partner in its mission.
Open Table’s annual gala and cooking competition returns to Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord on Friday, May 30, for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy an exciting culinary showdown, silent and live auctions, as well as hors d’oeuvres and a light dinner in a beautiful setting.
VIP tickets are $250 and include preferred seating, a private reception with wine tasting, and an opportunity to meet the chefs. General Admission is $175 per person. Tickets are available at www.opentable.org/chopped.
“The Open Table Chopped for Charity Gala is back and we can’t wait to spend an evening with a room full of guests who share a commitment to our mission,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “We truly appreciate how many people offer their time and talent to make this event special; from a live cooking competition, to a variety of chef experiences and a terrific silent auction. It’s a great night for a great cause.”
A special focus of this year’s event will be a celebration of Deena Whitfield, Open Table Board Chair Emerita. Deena served six years on the Open Table Board of Directors, including three years as chair. She continues to be an active volunteer in the organization’s planning and fundraising. “Deena is an Open Table champion,” said DePalo, “we are thrilled to honor and thank her.”
The competition line up:
Chef Jason Jernigan, owner of Chef Style Boston and a 2024 Chopped for Charity competitor, is master of ceremonies for this year’s program. His energetic and engaging approach has made him a sought-after private chef. Recognized as a top culinary talent, Jason was awarded “Best of Boston 2024” by Business Rated and has gained a strong following for his innovative and approachable style.
Three acclaimed local chefs will take center stage as competitors in a fast-paced cooking challenge before an expert panel of judges.
Chef Aaron Furmanek, executive chef and owner of White Pine Kitchen, is a self-taught chef with over two decades of experience. He is currently the estate chef for the Consulate of France in Boston. Aaron has held positions ranging from the Executive Chef and Cooking School Chef at Saltbox Kitchen and Saltbox Farm in Concord, MA to a test cook at America’s Test Kitchen. He resides in Maynard, MA with his wife, two sons, and dog.
Chef Jason Gentles is executive chef and owner of Gentles Cuisine, which is based in Lowell, MA. His culinary career spans 20 years. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Chef Gentles has developed his passion for the flavors of the Caribbean and Africa through work in restaurants, catering companies and the Royal Caribbean. He has received numerous awards, including winning the 2020 Boston Jerkfest competition.
Chef Shaun Coen, is executive chef and owner of Seasons, a private catering service. After graduating from culinary school with honors, he was recruited by one of Boston’s top fine-dining restaurants and private clubs. Under a Master Swiss Chef, he refined his culinary skills before expanding his experience as a banquet chef at a Miami Beach resort, again working with a German Master Chef. Returning to New England, he helped launch multiple successful operations, from private restaurants to major golf events, and eventually became an executive chef at a private country club.
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. The organization works to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: https://www.opentable.org/