Celeb Chef Competes to Win a Million Bucks for Houston’s Southern Smoke Foundation

Celeb Chef Competes to Win a Million Bucks for Houston’s Southern Smoke Foundation

Southern Smoke has had a big year. The Covid crisis hit the restaurant industry in a previously unimaginable way — but the Houston-based foundation co-founded by Chris Shepherd has similarly reached unprecedented levels, having distributed thousands of emergency grants totaling more than $3 million to restaurant and hospitality workers who have been impacted by job loss.


What better way to end the year than with a million more bucks to hand out?! That's what's at stake this Sunday, Nov. 15, when celeb chef David Chang — founder of the famous Momofuku — competes on ABC's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. This season of the show is hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, and features celebrity contestants playing for charity.

"I'm so honored that Dave chose Southern Smoke as his charity," says Shepherd. "He's been so supportive of this organization for so long, and the visibility from the show will do so much to shine a light on the needs of our industry." Chang previously participated in Southern Smoke's annual fundraising festival in 2017, which garnered more than $500,000 in the weeks that followed the devastating Hurricane Harvey.

The Houston Southern Smoke team is hosting a socially distanced watch party at Hay Merchant on Sunday night. The show airs at 8pm.

Food
Theresa Roemer Is an Entrepreneur and Podcaster with Great Audience Connection

I AM AN accomplished philanthropist, esteemed motivational speaker, renowned fitness expert, and host of an engaging podcast UNHINGED. Through my diversified endeavors, I have established several successful ventures, including TR Beauty and The Vault, a private community catering to like-minded people. Additionally, I am the founder of Houston Style Icons, a platform dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Houstonian style, and Fashion Woodlands, an annual fashion show that I have meticulously curated. Furthermore, I actively engage with my audience through my YouTube channel, providing valuable content and insights.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less