Get ready for a night of sizzling excitement and paw-some fun!" said Tammy L. Jalbert, executive director of Columbia Animal Shelter. "Join us at Chopped for Charity to benefit the Columbia Animal Shelter - where culinary creativity meets compassion!"

The second annual Chopped for Charity will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Country Barn Farm Market, 211 S. Donerville Road, Lancaster.

Modeled after the Food Network show "Chopped," the event challenges participants to create a dish using ingredients from a mystery box. Contestants may also use additional items from a shared pantry, but each dish must prominently feature all of the mystery ingredients.

The chefs competing this year are Ethan Greer, Chef M and Javan Small. Greer is a restaurateur native to York County. He founded Taqueria El Camino, a Latin restaurant located in Dover, in 2020. He also operates three locations of Greer's Burger Garage and is the co-owner of The Franklin Street Social in Red Lion.

Chef M (also known as chef Michelle Andrews) has a passion for global flavors and traditions. She specializes in private dining, customized meal plans and culinary education. After attending culinary school in Colorado, she opened her own business serving York and surrounding communities in 2020.

Small grew up in Maryland and at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan. He has resided in York since 2015 and has worked for more than 20 years in various culinary environments. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he trained in Luxembourg and worked at a Michelin Star restaurant. He worked for several food service companies in New England before serving as executive chef at restaurants in Allentown and Easton. For the past two and a half years, he has worked for York Country Day School.

At Chopped for Charity, guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, live entertainment and information about the shelter's mission and impact. Complimentary soda and water will be provided, with beer and wine available for purchase. The culinary competition portion of the event will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The chefs will have 30 minutes to create a dish, which will be tasted by four judges. Three of the judges will be prominent community members, while the fourth judge position will be auctioned off to an event attendee.

Following the competition, a live auction will be held, featuring experiences such as farm tours and private in-home dinners with local chefs. Additionally, a fund-a-need paddle auction will also take place, spotlighting how donations directly support the shelter's ongoing efforts. A whiskey pull will also be featured.

Last year's inaugural Chopped for Charity was very well received, Jalbert shared. "Last year's event sold out, and we had to move to a larger venue," she stated.

Proceeds from the event will help fund surgical monitoring medical equipment and care of the animals in the Columbia Animal Shelter, as well as provide funds for the site's wellness and spay/neuter clinics.

The event is made possible through sponsorships, which are still available, Jalbert said.

"We would like to thank Wegmans Food Markets, Art Printing Company, The Restaurant Store and Kleen-Rite for being sponsors," she added.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://tinyurl.com/3btjbyc9 and will be available until Friday, March 28, or until they are sold out. Tickets will not be available at the door.

"Come out and enjoy a fabulous time," Jalbert said, noting that the event is for adults only. "While the competition heats up, you'll enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and the chance to support our furry friends in need," she remarked. "Your ticket doesn't just get you a seat at the table. It helps provide shelter, care and love for animals waiting for their forever homes."