COVINGTON – On Sunday, Nov. 1, 18 celebrity + restaurant teams will go head-to-head in a competitive cook-off to raise money for Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House at the annual Heroes Who Cook fundraiser. The fun-filled event will take place from 4-7 p.m. on the rooftop of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Parking Garage in Downtown Covington.
Each participating team, comprised of a local government or business leader paired with a top local restaurant, will prepare tastings of a gourmet dish for attendees to sample. The event will also include complimentary beer, wine and cocktails; live music by Groovy 7; and an online silent auction, featuring a variety of luxury items and unique experiences; a live auction for a golf cart donated by Blackwell’s Outdoor Inc.; and more! (Those who are unable to attend the event on Nov. 1 can still bid on their favorite silent auction items online beginning in October.)
“Heroes Who Cook represents the very best of our community – people coming together and using their time, talents and influence to protect children,” said Hope House Executive Director Thomas Mitchell. “Every dollar donated throughout the course of this fundraiser helps ensure that local child abuse victims receive the hope, healing and justice they deserve, all at no cost to their families.”
Eighteen teams will compete for the title of Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice and Most Money Raised for Hope House. This year’s teams include:
- Adam Acquistapace and Acquistapace’s
- Gabe Arnoult and Kevin Alario, and Desi Vega’s Steakhouse
- Dr. Matthew Bernard and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
- Trey Brownfield and Nathan’s Restaurant
- Senator Beth Mizell and Joan Coffman, and Bon Sake Sushi & Bar
- Chris Combs and Meribo
- George Gomez and Pardos
- Frank Jabbia and St. Tammany Parish Public Schools ProStart Program
- Nick and Patrice LaRocca, and Roux 25
- Mayor Clay Madden and Nan’s New Orleans Café
- Paige Marler and Abita Roasting Co.
- Senator Patrick McMath and Rep. Kim Carver, and Feliciana
- Fire Chief Steven Michell and CharcuTori
- Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Tchefuncte’s
- Dr. Jason O’Rear and The Hampshire
- Anthony Rutledge and Connor Brown, and Farm To Fire Louisiana
- Dr. Jack Saux and Valencia Covington
- DA Collin Sims and Haven Coffee and Cocktails
To access each team’s fundraising page, visit support.cachopehouse.org/HWC2026.
Hope House begins and continues the healing process for victims of child abuse. It is the only local agency that provides essential services like forensic interviews and free counseling to victims in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. The organization is primarily funded primarily through private donations and grants, and Heroes Who Cook is its largest annual fundraiser.
The public is encouraged to participate in pre-event online “tipping” toward their favorite team(s) from now through 11 p.m. on Oct. 31, which will aggregate towards the Most Money Raised for Hope House Award. Teams will be hosting their own unique promotions and events in the weeks prior to the Heroes Who Cook event to raise money for the cause. Heroes Who Cook attendees can also tip their favorite team(s) at the event on Nov. 1, which will determine the People’s Choice Award.
Event tickets are $105/person or $1050/reserved table for 8 (limited availability), and can be purchased online at support.cachopehouse.org/HWC2026 beginning Sept. 1.