Meals with a Mission: A Southern Culinary Showdown

📍 Chehaw Park & Zoo – 105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany, GA 31701

Local chef favorites will go head‑to‑head in a Southern-style culinary showdown, serving up flavorful dishes alongside great music, an open bar, a silent auction, and more—all in support of a powerful cause.

Featured Culinary Talent

• Chef Louis Resnick (The Canterbury Kitchen)A formally trained chef from Le Cordon Bleu, Louis’s culinary journey spans luxury hotels and cruise lines. In October 2019, he and Sumner Resnick acquired Cousins Catering—an Albany institution—transformed it into The Canterbury Kitchen, and continue serving its beloved classics like Leon’s shrimp & grits. This new generation of upscale Southern cooking is now anchored at the Mayberry Diner location on Lake Park Drive in Albany.

• Phillis Bush (“Grandma Bush”) Affectionately known as “Grandma Bush,” Phillis brings a dash of nostalgia and timeless comfort to the table.

• Chris Barnes (Big Chris Catering / Takeout)Operating since June 2017, Big Chris Catering—registered under Christopher Barnes II—has been delighting souls with hearty, flavorful dishes across Albany. The brand "Big Chris Catering / Takeout" (with a strong presence in Leesburg, GA) carries a reputation for serving “the best soul food” and standing as a family‑oriented, heartfelt catering option.

Fundraising Goal & Purpose

This year, the event aims to raise $50,000–$100,000 to renovate the House of Hope—a facility dedicated by Christopher Reeve in 1999—into a modern, inclusive group home providing safe housing and 24/7 care for individuals with disabilities.

About The Arc of Southwest Georgia

Since 1963, The Arc of Southwest Georgia has been a beacon of advocacy, empowerment, and high-quality support services for people with disabilities. Their long-standing mission: ensure individuals of all abilities enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and freedoms as inclusive members of the community.

Why Attend?

Join us for an unforgettable night of Southern flavor, fantastic company, and meaningful giving—and help us preserve “Superman’s House” and make an inclusive future a reality.

🎟 Purchase tickets here: mealswithamission2025.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Please note: You must be 21 or older to attend this event.