ARTICLE
The countdown to Polk County’s most anticipated culinary competition has begun! Mark your calendars for Monday, February 24, 2025, as the Top Chef of Polk County, presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, returns for an evening of exquisite cuisine and friendly rivalry at the stunning Bonnet Springs Park Event Center.
This annual premier event benefits Achievement Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to giving children with special needs or developmental delays the opportunity to reach their full potential through early intervention, education, therapies, and family support. Every bite of this evening supports brighter futures for children in our community.
Guests will be treated to a one-of-a-kind dining experience as Polk County's most talented chefs create mouthwatering tapas-style masterpieces in a quest to earn the coveted title of Top Chef of Polk County 2025. Each Chef will pair their dish with a wine or cocktail that complements their unique creation. This year’s elite lineup includes:
• Cob & Pen: Chef Travis Mitchell
• The Cultivated Pig: Chef Kevin Aydelott
• Dominick’s Kitchen & Market: Chef Dominick D'Agostino
• Good Thyme LKLD: Chef Kaelani Leone
• Maritime: Chef Julie Callihan
• Our Noire Kitchen: Chef Kadean Dockery
• Plates On Deck: Chef Ken James
• TLC Catering: Chef Chris Worley
• Tantrums Flightside Cafe & Catering: Chef Jon Burns
• The Terrace Grille: Chef Chris Camaret
In addition to competing for the prestigious title, chefs will strive to win the hearts of attendees, whose votes will decide the People’s Choice Award while the competing Chefs will cast their own votes to determine the Chefs’ Choice Award.
“We are thrilled to bring together Polk County’s top culinary talent for an evening of incredible food and community impact,” said Kristin Aiken, President/CEO of Achievement Academy. “This event celebrates the passion of our chefs, the generosity of our partners, and the lifechanging work we do for children and their families.”
Guests can also look forward to:
• Live and silent auctions featuring exclusive items and experiences
• Live entertainment by Nashville’s Willie Shaw
• Stories of inspiration from families whose lives have been transformed by Achievement Academy
Tickets and Sponsorships
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses whose philanthropic interests align with this cause that changes the lives for Polk County’s vulnerable children.
Thank you to our Exclusive Presenting Sponsor Publix Super Markets Charities and Master Chef Sponsors Artistic General Contracting and Southern Homes. Our Head Chef sponsors are Bartow Ford, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and Pallet Recycle of Alabama, Inc, and our Sous Chef Sponsors are the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Duane McQuillen Construction, and the Heritage Group at Morgan Stanley. Dessert Sponsors include Boring Business Systems, Inc.; Central Florida Health Care; Phoenix Properties; Saddle Creek Logistics Services; SouthState Bank. Our Culinary Sponsors include CPS Investment Advisors; Sandy and Steve Earley; Elan Advisory; Hulbert Homes; Publix Employee Federal Credit Union; and Ward’s Air Conditioning.
A limited number of individual tickets are available.
Get Involved:
Reserve your tickets now and support Achievement Academy in empowering children with special needs to thrive. For more information, visit www.AchievementAcademy.com or contact Kelly Lane, Development Director, at 863/683-6504.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where culinary excellence meets community spirit, all for a cause that makes a profound difference in the lives of children and families.
About Achievement Academy Achievement Academy is a nonprofit organization serving children from birth through age five with special needs or at risk for developmental delays. Through education, therapy services, and family support, Achievement Academy empowers children to achieve their maximum potential.
Event Details at a Glance
• What: Top Chef of Polk County 2025
• When: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 6:00p.m.
• Where: Bonnet Springs Park Event Center, Lakeland, FL
• Why: To support Achievement Academy’s mission of helping children achieve their maximum potential