A Recipe for Belonging: Chefs on Stage 2025

On Monday, September 22, more than 200 guests gathered at Toftrees Resort for the 23rd Annual Chefs on Stage. The night brought together great food, good company, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community. 

Sixteen local chefs, including those from Grace, Gigi's Southern Table, and Shy Bear Brewing to name a few, each contributed a dish. From inventive appetizers to hearty entrées and sweet desserts, every plate reflected the generosity and creativity of our region's culinary community. 

Together, we raised more than $55,000 to support three programs at Strawberry Fields: 

• Fairweather Lodge, a residential program offering adults in recovery from mental illness, housing, communal living, peer support, and employment.  

• Scraps & Skeins, a creative reuse shop selling knitting and sewing supplies and providing employment for people with disabilities.  

• Good Day Café, where individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges gain job skills, confidence, and friendships. 

One Fairweather Lodge resident told guests, "Fairweather is helping me. It gives me the space I need to feel comfortable, to talk about my mental health issues, and to get more help. I don't know where I would be without this program." 

The auctions added plenty of energy to the evening, with lively bidding on everything from a signed Saquon Barkley jersey to jewelry, weekend getaways, and local experiences. 

We are especially grateful to State College Magazine for hosting and underwriting this event, as well as for choosing Strawberry Fields as the beneficiary in both 2024 and 2025. Their partnership has made an incredible difference, and we are honored to have been part of Chefs on Stage for the past two years. 

Visit our website to learn more about the Fairweather Lodges, Scraps & Skeins, and Good Day Café, and of course, you have a standing invitation to stop by Good Day Café or Scraps & Skeins anytime.