Six Chefs, One Cause: An Incredible Evening of Food, Community, and Impact.

The Matthew Project's inaugural Six Chefs event was an outstanding success, bringing together Norfolk's hospitality community, local businesses, supporters, students, and volunteers for a memorable evening that celebrated exceptional food while raising vital funds for our work across Norfolk.

Hosted in partnership with Norwich City College, the event showcased the power of collaboration, generosity, and community spirit. Guests were treated to an exceptional dining experience created by six of Norfolk's most respected chefs:

Liam Nichols from The Northwic

John Walker from The Harper

Lee Tyler from Restaurant 1812

Jimmy Preston from XO Kitchen and Soi Mama

Jack Gosling from The King's Head, Bawburgh

Hazel Yuill, formerly of Stoke Mill

Together, they crafted an unforgettable menu that celebrated the very best of Norfolk's food scene while supporting an important cause.

A key part of the evening's success was the involvement of City College Norwich. Working across three kitchen spaces, students gained invaluable hands-on experience, supporting the chefs with food preparation, service, and kitchen operations. Alongside college staff, they also helped set up the venue and ensure every guest enjoyed a seamless experience from start to finish.

The event provided a unique opportunity for students to learn from some of the county's leading culinary professionals while contributing to a fundraising event that will make a real difference to people's lives.

Rachel Chapman, CEO of The Matthew Project, said:

"I am absolutely delighted with the success of our first Six Chefs event. The evening was a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together to support a cause they care about. We were blown away by the generosity of our guests and so grateful to the incredible chefs, students, Norwich City College staff, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who gave their time, expertise, and resources to make the event such a success. Most importantly, every pound raised will help us continue supporting people across Norfolk who are facing some of life's most difficult challenges. On behalf of everyone at The Matthew Project, thank you for helping us create an evening that was truly special."

The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm, vibrant, and full of energy. Guests enjoyed live music from DJ Gabriella, while Mark Ahier expertly guided the evening as compère and auctioneer. Our auction inspired generous bidding and our mystery prize box game proved hugely popular, selling out completely.

While Six Chefs was a celebration, it was also an opportunity to shine a light on the growing need for our services across Norfolk.

During the evening, Rachel spoke about the reality behind the statistics. Across Norfolk, more than 45,000 people use drugs, around 5,500 adults are using drugs every day, and a further 5,000 children are living with the reality of a drug-dependent parent. Yet only a small proportion of those experiencing drug or alcohol dependency ever access treatment.

The impact of substance use extends far beyond the individual. It affects children, families, friends, workplaces, and communities. Many children carry worries and responsibilities beyond their years, while others face isolation, uncertainty, and increased vulnerability.

Guests also heard powerful stories of hope, resilience, and recovery from people whose lives have been transformed through support from The Matthew Project.

One TMP member shared:

"I can say with 100% certainty I'd be back using if it wasn't for you. You've picked me up time and time again, made me feel so welcome and so safe and so at home. Being here brings me so much joy and happiness and I don't think you'll ever truly understand how much that means to me."

Their words served as a moving reminder of the impact that timely support, compassion, and belief can have on someone's life.

Reflecting on the partnership, Carrie-Ann Higgs, Tutor Assessor, Apprenticeships Hospitality at Norwich City College and The Burnt Chef Project Ambassador, said:

"It has been a privilege for Norwich City College to partner with The Matthew Project on this fantastic event. The collaboration provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to work alongside some of Norfolk's most respected chefs in a live event environment, developing their skills, confidence, and experience. The students were incredibly proud to be involved and embraced every aspect of the evening with professionalism and enthusiasm. We are passionate about creating opportunities that connect learning with real industry experiences, and Six Chefs was a brilliant example of that. It was a pleasure to support such an important cause while showcasing the talent of both our students and Norfolk's hospitality sector."

As well as raising vital funds on the night, guests were invited to consider becoming regular givers to help support today's stories in the making.

Every person who comes to The Matthew Project for support is writing a new chapter in their life. A regular gift helps ensure that people can access the support they need to overcome challenges, rebuild relationships, improve their wellbeing, and move towards a brighter future. By becoming a regular giver, supporters can help write the next chapter in someone's story.

Events like Six Chefs are only possible because of the generosity and support of so many individuals and organisations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Norwich City College, our six chefs, DJ Gabriella, Mark Ahier, and all those who contributed to making the evening such a success.

Special thanks go to our supporters and prize donors:

Bourne Creative

Saxon Air

Dunston Hall

Barnham Broom

Hunters Yard

Chilli's Galore

Booja-Booja

Norfolk Natural Living

Cards N Things

Hollinger Print

Barefoot in Blooms

King's Head Free House

To everyone who attended, donated, bid in the auction, purchased a mystery prize box, or supported the event in any way, thank you. Your generosity is helping people across Norfolk find hope, recovery, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

If you would like to support stories in the making and help someone, write the next chapter of their life, please consider becoming a regular giver.

For more information, visit: https://www.matthewproject.org/donate-now