“Food is Community” Gala Celebrates Jacques Pépin’s 90th Birthday and Champions Culinary Job Training in Pittsburgh. This celebration will bring together chefs, changemakers, and community leaders for an evening of food, storytelling, and celebration.

Hosted by Community Kitchen Pittsburgh (CKP) in partnership with Catalyst Kitchens, the event will raise funds to support culinary job training programs that create career opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers such as incarceration, homelessness, or addiction.

The Gala will take place at CCAC Allegheny’s Center for Education, Innovation, and Training (CEIT) and feature dishes prepared by seven talented chef teams from across Pittsburgh and the nation. Each food station will highlight locally-sourced ingredients and regional flavors, showcasing how food can connect, transform, and inspire.

Event Highlights:
● Featured dishes from chef teams representing Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Trenton, and Phoenix
● A live feed featuring Chef Pépin and a screening of a short documentary about Catalyst Kitchens’
national impact
● Live music, with storytelling from CKP program graduates
● VIP reception sponsored by Eat’n Park with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Eat’n Park Corporate
Chef, Tim Fetter, cocktails, and an exclusive opportunity to record a birthday message for Chef
Pépin, all taking place at CCAC’s historic Byers Hall

Ticket Options:
● Gala-Only Ticket: Admission to the main event from 7-10 PM at CCAC Allegheny’s CEIT Building,
including live music by The Moldies, performing Motown favorites
● Gala + VIP Hour Access: Includes early access from 6–7 PM at nearby Byers Hall with live music
by Skye Burkett, specialty cocktails, appetizers, and exclusive engagement opportunities