Variety, the Children's Charity is honoured to present the 3rd Annual Variety of Chefs red carpet dinner.

With the support from some of AUSTRALIA'S TOP CHEFS this delectable evening is making its mark as one of the countries most glamorous charity events, raising over $400,000 in just two years!

To spice things up, in 2011 Variety of Chefs is back with a TASTY TWIST! Our sensational chefs are designing an exclusive 4 COURSE DEGUSTATION and will present the dishes live on stage, with a few VIP guest judges and culinary games thrown in the mix. This is guaranteed to be a fun night that will excite all of the culinary senses!

Each Chef has generously donated their time to COOK FOR A CAUSE and they guarantee to bring you a night of great entertainment, sensational food, beverages and fun!

Laura AndonOur gorgeous host for the evening is television presenter and actress, ZOE NAYLOR.


 

Our Chefs - Cooking for a Cause

Martin from LongrainSean Connolly
Connolly's passion for cooking started at a young age in the UK. His talent quickly led to his appointment at Star City's Astral in 1995 and Sean's Kitchen in 2008. more »


Martin from LongrainJared Ingersoll from Danks Street Depot
Dank Street Depot has numerous and consistently good reviews and articles including a mention in Vogue Living, as being a must see destination when visiting NSW. more »


Peter from Flying FishPeter Kuruvita from Flying Fish
Born in London, acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita spent his childhood in Sri Lanka where he was introduced to the delights of cooking. more »



Darren Simpson from La ScalaDarren Simpson from La Scala
Darren Simpson studied and began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born. Within two years of landing his first job, Simpson was named UK's Young Chef of the Year. more »

Click here to view the Chef's full profiles »








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Our Hosts

Zoe Naylor   ZOE NAYLOR

Zoe Naylor is a well-known, much loved Australian personality; she has worked extensively in film, television and theatre.

She is perhaps best known for her role as co-host on the 7 Network's Gladiators and for her role as Regan McLeod in McLeod's Daughters, the long running and much loved 9 Network drama.

Zoe has recently finished filming the lead role in Andrew Traucki's eagerly anticipated thriller The Reef that premiered at Cannes in May.

Our Chefs

Sean Connolly
Connolly's passion for cooking started at a young age in the UK. His talent quickly led to his appointment at Star City's Astral in 1995 and Sean's Kitchen in 2008. He successfully worked to position the Astral as one of Sydney's top fine‐dining destinations, being awarded a Chef's Hat for an impressive five consecutive years.

After 15 years at Star City, in August 2010, Connolly parted ways with his long‐term employer, with plans to expand his career as a chef and restaurateur. While taking some time to evaluate the opportunities currently on the table, Connolly continues his work as the 'face' of Restaurant Associates (RA).

In 2009, he hosted the 13‐part series of SBS's My Family Feast, a celebration of multicultural Australia's food, family and the stories of life. A cookbook was also released to coincide with the launch of the series.

Connolly is currently in discussions for further television projects and the release of his second cookbook.

Jared Ingersoll from Danks Street Depot
Dank Street Depot has numerous and consistently good reviews and articles including a mention in Vogue Living, as being a must see destination when visiting NSW.

Jared started Danks Street Depot with his wife Melanie Starr in February 2002.

At the end of last year, Danks Street Depot also opened at the Sydney International Airport and a new restaurant, Cotton Duck is scheduled for opening in August 2010. Prior to Danks Street Depot, Jared was head chef at Bayswater Brasserie after working in London at SoHo's Mezzo, Michelin two star - The Square and Hillaire in South Kensington.

Out of the kitchen, Jared makes numerous media appearances. He has, amongst other things, been a regular on Channel 10's Ready Steady Cook and The Morning Show and writes a monthly column for Home Beautiful Magazine.

Peter Kuruvita from Flying Fish
Born in London, acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita spent his childhood in Sri Lanka where he was introduced to the delights of cooking by watching his grandmother prepare ancient Sri Lankan dishes. Drawing on his extensive international experience, Peter now co-owns and runs Flying Fish Sydney and in 2008 Peter was asked to open Flying Fish Fiji, located on the grounds of the Sheraton Denarau.

Peter has a reputation in the Australian culinary circles as an expert on seafood and he has a strong stance on seafood sustainability. He continues to develop the Flying Fish brand and in 2008 launched a range of products along with his cookbook "Serendip."

Flying Fish has again been awarded 1 Chef's Hat and 1 Wine Goblet at the prestigious 25th Annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards

Darren Simpson from La Scala
Darren Simpson studied and began his career in Northern Ireland where he was born.  Within two years of landing his first job, Simpson was named UK's Young Chef of the Year.  Since then Darren has worked in many world renowned restaurants, making his mark in the industry. Darren now heads up the fabulous restaurant and cocktail bar La Scala on Jersey in Sydney's Woollahra.

Darren Simpson has not only made his mark on the Sydney restaurant scene but has also become a well known TV personality. Darren has made regular appearances on  Channel 7's Sunrise' program. His other TV appearances include presiding as a judge on hit reality show, 'My Restaurant Rules' (Channel 7) and co- presenter on popular Lifestyle Channel's "The Best in Australia" with Ben O'Donoghue and Anna Gare.

   


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Variety, the Children's Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of seriously ill, special needs and disadvantaged kids.

We believe that all children struggling with any form of disability, illness or special need deserve a chance not only to experience freedom, but to realise their dreams.

Jamie OUR VISION & JAIME'S STORY » YOU CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE »

Tickets

Venue: Hilton Hotel Sydney
Date: Saturday 14th May 2011
Time: 6:30 pm
Dress: Black Tie
SINGLE TICKET: $250
SILVER TABLE: $5,000 (for 10 people)

Contact Grace Proust for all Silver sponsorship enquiries.

E: grace.proust@varietynsw.org.au or
P: 02 9819 1004

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Variety would like to thank our
event supporters and sponsors.

Event Partners

Hilton Hilton Sydney La Scala on Jersey Cotton Duck Triumph Leisure Solutions


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The Variety Wishlist

Wish List Images

ABOUT THE WISH LIST
You have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a child in your community. Add a wish list item to your ticket or table booking and make a child's day!
You can purchase an item from our wish list below and receive a 100% tax deductible receipt. Contact us for more information.

Variety Kids Christmas PartyVariety Kids Christmas Party $200
Variety is proud to host the biggest party for kids every year, with thousands of disadvantaged and special needs children attending this mammoth event. The children are treated to an enormous array of activities and experiences, and each child also receives fantastic presents. Your donation of $200 would ensure a special child will be treated to a day they will truly treasure*

Suction wigHuman hair suction wig $3,600
Jemimah has suffered from Alopecia since she was a toddler. At five years of age, she has now become aware of her baldness, and as a result has started to become shy and withdrawn. A human hair suction wig will give her a much needed confidence boost for the beginning of her school life*

Donation towards Myoelectric Hand ProgramVariety Scholarship Program $5,000
Variety's scholarship program targets talented children who need financial help to achieve their dreams. One of our scholarship recipients, 16-year-old Mitchell from Culburra Beach has had an amazing year, clocking up many athletics awards as he follows his dream of competing in the Paralympics in London in 2012. His achievements in 2010 include a personal best at the Junior Nationals in the 100m (12.78), where he broke the Australian under 18s and under 20s records. After a camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in December, he went to New Zealand in January 2011 to compete at the International Paralympic Committee World Championships. Variety helps to fund Mitchell's sporting equipment and travel costs. Variety has several more extremely talented teenagers to whom a $5,000 scholarship would mean so much*

*Photo is of Mitchell in the green and gold.

BoardmakerKid Walk walking frame $4,985
Four year old Ahmed is dependent on his carers for all aspects of his life. He sleeps poorly, and spends most of every day upset, crying most of the time that he is awake. His gross motor development is severely delayed, and he cannot sit independently. He is positioned in a wheelchair with a supportive seating system for his mobility. When he was trialled in the Kid Walk he was happy, spending most of the time in it smiling (a very rare occurrence for him). He was able to tolerate it for nearly 30 minutes at a time, and actually tried to propel himself towards his father, whom he adores. This piece of equipment would be a wonderful gift for both Ahmed and his family*

*Photo is of four year old Ashton with his brand new walker.

Manual WheelchairManual Wheelchair $9,717
Ten year old Julia has cerebral palsy and a hearing impairment. She has outgrown her current manual wheelchair and supportive seating. She can walk short distances with a walker, but needs a manual wheelchair for the majority of each day. Her family is asking for financial help, as her father was made redundant from his employment earlier this year*

*Photo is of Hannah in her new wheelchair enjoying a day out with her Dad and big sister.

Liberty Swing14-seater Sunshine Coach $45,000
Sunshine Coaches give children access to a number of experiences they may otherwise have missed out on, in a safe and fun environment with their classmates. A public school in rural NSW has two classes of special needs children, and a Sunshine Coach will enable these children to attend specialised gymnastics and swimming classes, as well as many other cultural events and excursions. The coach will also be available for the mainstream students*

* Please note that occasionally the wish you have selected for a particular child may have already been granted. Please be reassured that your money will be spent on the same or very similar equipment for another child with similar needs. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

* Due to privacy reasons, the images used in relation to each wish list item are not of the exact child mentioned in the appeal; they are a representation of the item/s