KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two Knoxville chefs hosted a $300, five-course dinner Monday evening to raise money for hurricane relief efforts in Asheville. Organizers said the dinner raised more than $38,500 in total, and the money would go to World Central Kitchen.
The dinner was held at J.C. Holdway and there were limited tickets available for it. According to organizers, it sold out in two minutes. It was also held in honor of John Fleer, an Asheville chef who mentored the two Knoxville chefs behind the event.
They are Joseph Lenn, from J.C. Holdway, and Matt Gallaher, from Emilia.
World Central Kitchen is an international nonprofit that routinely responds to disasters and conflicts to make sure communities can access warm meals. The nonprofit is working in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene washed away many parts of Asheville.