SPONSOR THE GALA
Reserve your Sponsorship for the 2024 Chefs for Habitat by filling in the request form.
DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM
Show Your Support By Donating an Item to the Silent Auction
Tickets Coming Soon
Individual ticket sales are coming soon through the Civic Center Box Office, our official ticket sales agent for Chefs 2024. Thank you for supporting homes, communities, and hope!
DATE:
March 2, 2024
TIME
7:00PM -10:00PM
DRESS
Semi-Formal
Masquerade masks are encouraged.
Silent Auction!
Meet Our Sponsors
We are so grateful for the support of these local businesses and organizations. Please show your support to these organizations by supporting them in return.
Diamond
Platinum
Gourmet Gold
Seasoned Silver
Balsamic Bronze
Caramelized Copper
2023 Gala Schedule (2024 Schedule Coming Soon!)
Here’s a rundown of 2023’s gala schedule.
Master of Ceremonies
Roger Follebout
Roger is the Director of Strategic Communications for TidalHealth; a healthcare system on the Delmarva Peninsula with hospitals in Salisbury, Md. and Seaford, Del. He is responsible for the direction of all communications, including social media, designed to enhance TidalHealth’s relationship with its local media, communities, customers, and potential customers. He leads a team that is building, fostering and maintaining public interest in TidalHealth’s mission and vision to provide healthcare and population health programs and services to the region.
Roger joined TidalHealth as its Specialist in Strategic Communications, became its Manager in 2006 and Director of the division in 2009. He has been with the company 24 years. Prior to joining TidalHealth, he was the Coordinator of Video of Film at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md. from 1993-1998.
Roger has previously held broadcast journalism positions at WMDT-TV in Salisbury, Md., WUHQ-TV in Battle Creek, Mi. and WEYI-TV in Clio, Mi. At each, he served in a number of roles including News Director, News Anchor, Reporter, News Producer and Assignment Editor.
He resides in Salisbury with his wife, Leslie. They have been married 40 years, have two grown children and are the super proud grandparents of Cameron, a phenomenal young man who turned two in 2022.
Roger is a regular on the regional emcee circuit where he has assisted organizations like the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, the Recovery Resource Center and the Tri-County Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys golf and camping in his time away from his healthcare duties.
Honorary Chairs Lisa and Tom Shelton
5:30PM
VIP/Early Bird Check-in
5:30PM - 6:30PM
VIP/Early Bird Reception, Champagne Greeting, and Auction Preview
6:30 PM
Sponsor and Individual Ticketholder Check-In
6:30PM - 9:00PM
Gala Chef Small Plate Samplings
Silent Auction
7:30PM - 7:45PM
Words from Honorary Chairs, Executive Director & Partner Families.
Chefs Celebrity LIVE Competition
Don't Miss this Event!
Hurry, get your tickets for this exclusive gourmet gala fundraising event.
Meet our Honorary Chair
Chris Eccleston
Founder, Delmarva Veteran Builder
Chris Eccleston, a Salisbury, Maryland native, is the President and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) a fresh, gritty commercial construction firm igniting potential and doing epic things. DVB brings the “veteran attitude” to local construction projects which led the company to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies recognized by the Inc 5000 list for three consecutive years and the Vet 50 List for two years. Chris’s dedication to veteran employment led to DVB receiving the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award at the Pentagon. A Navy veteran who served for six years as a nuclear machinist mate on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chris takes great pride in his military service and supporting members of DVB who still serve today.
In addition to DVB, Chris established Trashforce in 2020, a waste hauling company catering to the Lower Shore. Despite its “trashy” origins, Trashforce has become known for its customer service, engagement in the community and hilarious dad jokes.
Chris’s achievements extend beyond his business ventures. In 2023, he became a published author of the children’s book “Grit Leads To Greatness,” co-written with DVB’s creative developer Jenny Kerr Schroen. The book, which promotes the significance of the construction trades, has already sold an impressive 5000 advanced copies. The authors are now focused on sharing this enchanting story in classrooms across the nation.
He holds an undergraduate degree in construction management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an MBA from Salisbury University. Some of his career accomplishments include Eagle Scout, “40 under 40” from Building Design + Construction magazine, Entrepreneur of the Year by Maryland Capital Enterprises, Bright Lights Award from the Comptroller of Maryland, and the WeHeartSBY Award.
Chris’s commitment to his community is reflected in his involvement in various projects and organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development and Greater Salisbury Committee and is a Past President of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
Residing in Salisbury with his wife Kennan and their two children, Hale and Sadie, Chris embraces family life. You might find Chris singing and dancing in the kitchen with Sadie or coaching Hale’s youth sports and engaging in his activities. Alongside his family time, Chris enjoys traveling and immersing himself in outdoor adventures.