Local 24-hour treatment center, Oak Grove Center continues to rebuild the lives of at-risk youth through proven programs that educate, heal, build character and instill hope. At their 17th Annual Golf Classic and 12th Annual So-Cal Chef Open, supporters came together to raise just over $34,000 to continue to provide culinary, sports and recreational programs.
The 17th Annual Golf Classic, took place at its on-going home, Pechanga Casino’s award-winning golf course, Journey’s End with 115 participants. The Golf Classic, presented by The Tavern Grille in Murrieta, supports Oak Grove’s sports and recreational programs, allowing youth to learn leadership and teamwork skills.
“We are thankful to Tavern Grill for being the Presenting Sponsor. What a great group of men with wonderful hearts! We are also thankful for the Truax Family of Companies and the many new friends we have made this year. Their support makes our recreation and sports programs possible.”
The annual golf tournament was followed by the So-Cal Chef Open. The 12th Annual So-Cal Chef Open featured 18 chefs from the Valley, competing to win over the distinguished panel of judges for the Pinnacle Award and 884 guests for the People’s Choice Award. Competing chefs included Chef Open veterans, while bringing in many new chefs as well.
The So-Cal Chef Open holds a special place in the hearts of Oak Grove Center’s in-house chefs and staff, as this fundraiser supports Culinary Creations. Culinary Creations is now operating a store front in the Truax building in Old Town Temecula.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of Chase, Shamrock, Markon and Truax Development who sponsored the Chef Open as well as the chefs who so generously shared their time and talent to make this the most successful Chef Open to date. We are thrilled with the number of guests who attended, voted and encouraged our youth. A highlight was the desserts provided by Culinary Creations. Proceeds are supporting the vocational and culinary programs of Oak Grove and it is wonderful to see youth thriving as they learn baking and hospitality skills.”
Oak Grove’s Youth took the stage to express their gratitude as well and stories of transformation, as supporters and chefs cheered them on. Although there are only 6 awards for the limited places to win the Pinnacle Award and People’s Choice Award, everyone felt like a winner, full of phenomenal food, and heartwarming stories of success.
Oak Grove Center is proud to announce the following results of the 12th Annual So-Cal Chef Open:
Pinnacle Judges Award:
1st Cork| Fire (Executive Sous Chef Sterling King) –
2nd KC Catering (Chef Jonathan Perez & Chef Joey Castro)
3rd Highgate Senior Living (Executive Chef Justin Mabunay)
People’s Choice:
1st Pete’s Firehouse BBQ (Chef Pete Lent)
2nd New Birth Heart & Soul Café (Chef J. Wayman Wells)
3rd Chef’s Grille (Chef Martin Corso)
Oak Grove Center, located in Murrieta, is a non-profit 24-hour residential, educational and therapeutic treatment center serving 76 children who live on campus as well as 90-100 day students who attend our non-public school. We have a second non-public school located in Perris that serves an additional 50 students. These two events provide funds to support our sports and culinary programs for the as-risk youth we serve. Visit us in Old Town Temecula Culinary Creations 41923 2nd St. Ste 104.
For more information about Oak Grove, visit us at OakGroveCenter.org 951-677-5599