CHEF MASTERS RAISES THOUSANDS FOR CARMA & PRICELESS PETS
With over 70 chefs, wineries, spirits and other culinary sponsors participating in this year’s Chef Masters culinary extravaganza on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, there were 400 very happy guests. Benefiting CARMA & Priceless Pets Rescues. Charities received generous support from “Anonymous” Angel Presenting Sponsor Donor, along with Sue J. Gross Foundation, JustFoodForDogs, Harriet & Mark Lehman, Mary Murfey, Olivia Loren Jewelry, Pure Salt, Caruana, Spoke Logistics, The Cain Group, The Mattes Family Charitable Foundation, The Thompson Family, and more.
Following a sumptuous two-hour gourmet food and wine reception, guests were seated at tables for dessert and introduced to the chefs by hostess DawnMarie Kotsonis before drawing the Opportunity Drawing Prize, a 52 bottle Wine Tree, the Fund-A-Need card drop winner received a premium wine basket. Winners were pulled by Rita Gatto from CARMA. This year’s Honorary Chef, Heather McLeod of Three Pug Bakery, received the Chef Philanthropy Award. Numerous chefs donated to the event, including silent and live auctions, helping to support the cause.
CARMA (Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid) is dedicated to saving the lives of animals in need by providing critical medical care, rehabilitation, and a second chance at life. Many of the animals that come to CARMA face severe injuries, illnesses, or neglect. Through the organization’s dedicated team of veterinarians, volunteers, and foster families, they receive the treatment, love, and support they deserve. CARMA’s mission is rooted in compassion and community, ensuring that no animal is left behind due to medical costs or lack of resources. www.carmaoc.org
PRICELESS PETS is a nonprofit, no-kill, volunteer-based pet rescue known for its dedication to saving homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals. With multiple adoption centers and a robust foster network, Priceless Pets provides medical care, rehabilitation, and safe shelter until every animal finds a forever home. Their mission is to give second chances through compassion, community involvement, and education – ensuring that each dog, cat, or small pet receives the love and care they deserve. www.pricelesspetrescue.org. The evening concluded with dancing to the popular band Flashback Heart Attack.
Join next year – Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. info@chefmasters.org
