Shepherd's Center Charlotte

As we age, there usually comes a time when we have to think about giving up our keys – or can no longer afford to own a car. Despite this, safe, reliable transportation is crucial for older adults to access healthcare, community resources and stay connected to family and friends. A new option is soon coming to Charlotte: Waymo is a fully autonomous ride-hailing service, working to make transportation safer and more accessible. Come learn more about their technology and local testing process at Chef Wars next week!

✂️📋 It’s officially crunch time! Our amazing volunteers are hard at work cutting name tags, organizing ballots, proofreading programs, and tackling all the behind-the-scenes details that make Chef Wars possible.

It truly takes a village to pull off this incredible event, and we’re so grateful for these dedicated helpers who keep everything running smoothly. We can't wait to see it all come together! ❤️👨‍🍳🏆

Meet the esteemed judging panel for Chef Wars 2026! 👨‍🍳🏆

This incredible lineup of culinary leaders will help crown this year's Top Chef Awards through a blind tasting, where every dish is judged solely on creativity, presentation, and flavor.

⭐ Chef Ron Ahlert – Community Culinary School of Charlotte
⭐ Chef Greg Balch – (1957 Hospitality Group)
⭐ Chef Tricia Childress – Creative Loafing Charlotte
⭐ Chef Chayil Johnson – Community Matters Cafe
⭐ Chef Thomas Kerns – Givens Aldersgate

Our judges' scores account for 60% of the final results, while our guests' votes count for 40%, making every bite and every ballot matter.

Chef Wars is more than a culinary competition—it's Shepherd's Center of Charlotte's annual fundraiser supporting programs that reduce isolation, increase access to resources, and help older adults remain connected and engaged in our community.

Want to cheer on your favorite judge while supporting our mission? Make a donation in their honor today! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/chefwarsdonation/

Helpful information from our Chef de Cuisine Level Sponsor, Rob Wachter & The Wachter Group at Helen Adams Realty!

Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up...

Another fun recipe from our Executive Chef Level Sponsor Novant Health!

Soup season isn't over just yet! 🥣

This veggie-packed minestrone soup is loaded with colorful vegetables, hearty beans and pasta—all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of simple, nourishing recipe that works for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.

https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/recipe-veggie-packed-minestrone-soup

Our Executive Chef Level Sponsor, Waymo, is in Charlotte!

🔥 The heat is on! Meet the talented chefs competing in Chef Wars 2026! 🔥

These culinary stars from Charlotte’s Continuing Care Retirement Communities will battle it out for the Top Chef Awards, serving up incredible bites and plenty of friendly competition—all while supporting The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte's mission to connect and enrich the lives of older adults.

👨‍🍳 Chef Tinevimbo Lisah Moyo – Brightmore of South Charlotte
👨‍🍳 Chef Dustin Sriver & Chef Brittany Moulton – Southminster
👩‍🍳 Chef Jennifer Hughes – Summit Place of South Park
👨‍🍳 Chef Hosie L. Pope III – The Village on Morehead
👨‍🍳 Chef Andrew Horgan – Windsor Run

Who are you cheering for? Let us know in the comments! 🏆🍽️