New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) has teamed up with some of the city’s most famous chefs to host Cooking for a Cause, a virtual auction offering unparalleled experiences with some of the top names in hospitality. The event will take place entirely online  and prizes up for grabs include private cooking classes with celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Donald Link or even a business coaching meeting with Danny Meyer & Team of Shake Shack fame.

The local nonprofit is actively trying to help the city’s beloved hospitality industry by training culinary students and restaurant management teams, while also providing continuing education for locals in the Greater New Orleans area. However, as a nonprofit, they need funding to continue their great work.

“The longer you stay closed, the harder it is to open,” says Chef Nina Compton, one of several all-star chefs hosting private cooking classes as prizes for the auction. “It’s about giving other people hope. The goal is to weather the storm.”

The fundraiser, which kicks off later this month, will include prizes such as a pasta workshop, tiki-inspired mixology class, and a live showdown between two winemakers. Al events will be hosted by leaders in the culinary and hospitality industries. On October 14, the event will culminate in a livestreamed “grand finale” in conjunction with famous New Orleans restaurant Commander’s Palace’s wildly popular wine and cheese Zoom classes.

All proceeds from Cooking for a Cause will support NOCHI’s flagship hospitality programs, as well as continuing education and community initiatives for the Greater New Orleans region. Online bidding will be held September 30-October 14.

To learn more and see the full auction line-up, visit here.