Roomie attends “Chefs Evening” and poses with a Firehouse Subs fireman’s hat.  The evening offered guests over 20 restaurant vendors. Proceeds went to funding university academic scholarships. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar

The University Advancement Division and Southeastern Foundation hosts the 34th annual “Chefs Evening” to raise money for university scholarships and academic programming.

The event will be held on Mar. 4 in the War Memorial Student Union Ballroom, beginning with the “President’s Toast” at 4-5 p.m., which will be catered by Southeastern Catering. Following the toast will be the “Chefs Evening” from 5:30-8 p.m. where 23 confirmed restaurants will be serving dishes. Among them are Trey Yuen, Tope La and Le Saigon. University Advancement Donor Relations Coordinator Lisa Patti expressed the fundraising goal the university hopes to reach at the 2018 “Chefs Evening.”

“We’d love to raise $100,000,” said Patti. 

Patti shared her opinion on why this event is a must attend for the spring semester. 

“First because it raises money to help with scholarships,” said Patti. “It’s a fun event tasting all the food from the restaurants and participating in the raffles.”

All of the items offered in the silent and live auctions were donated by university alumni and residents of the community. 

Items that can be purchased in the raffles include a Napa trip with a stay in the vineyard’s guest house and personalized wine tasting and tour, a Mastoloni pearl necklace that will be modeled during the evening by 2018 Miss Southeastern Alyssa Larose and a special auction item that has a lot of university history behind it. President Dr. John L. Crain has donated a 15 piece Noriaki China set that has spent many years inside the president’s residence. 

To purchase tickets, donate or become a participating restaurant of “Chefs Evening,” go to their website www.southeastern.edu/chefsevening or call the office at 985-549-239.