Faith Christian School’s Iron Faith Live Cook-Off Raises Over $100,000 for Scholarship Fund
Faith Christian School’s Iron Faith Live Cook-Off Raises Over $100,000 for Scholarship Fund
On November 9, Faith Christian School (FCS) hosted its annual Iron Faith Live Cook-Off, raising an incredible $100,000 to support the school’s need-based scholarship fund. With a sold-out crowd of 400 attendees, the evening was a celebration of community spirit and generosity, all in support of making Christ-centered education more accessible.
An Evening of Culinary Excellence and Community Spirit
The FCS gymnasium was transformed into an elegant dining space, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Over 20 student volunteers, teachers, and parents contributed to the event’s success, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that highlighted the heart and dedication of the FCS community.
Competition Highlights Chef Alaina Jonuska from Magpies Den & Pen once again captured the People’s Choice Award, earning the most votes from all 400 attendees for her signature dish—a testament to her culinary talent and popularity in the community. Advancing to the Mystery Box Challenge with Chef Zach Sell from The Grandview Restaurant, Alaina faced fierce competition. Ultimately, Chef Zach Sell emerged as the evening’s Top Chef, winning the final round with a tight 25-23 score from the judges, dethroning the reigning champion.
Chef Jonathan Mellor also earned an honorable mention for achieving the third-highest number of votes during the signature dish portion of the event. We sincerely thank all competing chefs, including Chef Abel Rosas from Elena Catering LLC, Chef Marlene Ward, and Chef Nico Rossi from Lake Lawn Resort. Each chef brought their unique flair and talent to the competition, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.
A Special Thanks to Our Judges Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our esteemed judges: Scott Kunes from Kunes Auto Group, Chef Greg from Medusa Gelato, and Chef Young Cho from the Simple Group. Their expertise and encouragement added depth to the event, supporting our chefs through constructive feedback and helping to determine the Mystery Box Challenge winner.
Exciting Auction and Generous Contributions One of the evening’s highlights was the live auction, featuring a remarkable donation from Magpie’s Den & Pen: a private party for 100 guests, complete with their food truck on-site. This prize stood out, generating spirited bidding and significantly contributing to the event’s success. We are incredibly grateful for Magpie’s generosity and dedication to our cause.
Event Impact Thanks to the overwhelming support from sponsors, donors, and ticket sales, the event raised:
- $30,000 from silent and live auctions, and raffles
- $40,000 from sponsorships and donations
- $30,000 from ticket sales
- Total gross revenue of over $100,000
All proceeds will directly support Faith Christian School’s Scholarship Fund, helping to make Christ-centered education accessible to more families.