Dallas, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas 24 Hour Club will host the 12th Annual All Star Chef Classic on October 8 at Lighthouse ArtSpace. This culinary fundraiser will feature over 24 chefs from North Texas, aiming to raise funds for vital transitional living, support services, and life skills training for individuals recovering from addiction and facing homelessness. Co-chaired by Kristin and James Hallam, the event emphasizes the urgent need for support given the rising number of those experiencing homelessness due to substance abuse.
Dallas
12th Annual All Star Chef Classic scheduled Oct. 8 to raise funds for recovery and transitional living
The Dallas 24 Hour Club will present the 12th annual Dallas All Star Chef Classic on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lighthouse ArtSpace. The culinary fundraiser aims to raise money for critical transitional living, support services, and life skills training for people recovering from addiction and experiencing homelessness. The event will feature more than 24 North Texas chefs offering a graze-around feasting experience for attendees.
Key event details
The event will be co-chaired by Kristin and James Hallam, with Sharon Van Meter serving as Honorary Chef Chair. The presenting sponsor for the Classic is the Ben E. Keith Company, where James Hallam serves as executive vice president. Remaining sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $1,500 to $50,000. The fundraiser is organized to provide funding for services that help homeless alcoholics and addicts achieve long-term sobriety, obtain employment, and work toward becoming contributing members of the community.
Why the event matters now
Organizers describe the timing of the fundraiser as particularly urgent because of an unprecedented number of individuals experiencing homelessness who are also suffering from substance abuse. Funds raised at the event will support the Dallas 24 Hour Club’s programs that combine transitional housing with recovery supports and life skills training designed to move participants toward stable housing and employment.
Leadership and organizational context
The Dallas 24 Hour Club is a nonprofit focused on supporting individuals in recovery from addiction. The All Star Chef Classic is one of the organization’s annual fundraisers and this year marks its twelfth iteration. The broader mission of the organization, sometimes referred to as The 24, centers on offering hope, recovery, and independence to people in need.
On the organizational leadership front, CEO Marsha Williamson has announced her retirement and is currently conducting a victory tour; her departure is noted as a recent development within the organization. The Hallams, who will co-chair the event, gained public attention after their 2020 wedding. The upcoming Classic is part of the group’s continuing efforts to secure operating support as leadership transitions take place.
Event format and participation
The Classic will offer a graze-around experience where attendees sample dishes prepared by participating chefs. More than two dozen chefs from the North Texas culinary community are expected to take part, contributing small-plate offerings for the evening. Sponsorship tiers remain open to community and corporate supporters, with specified levels from $1,500 up to $50,000.
What proceeds will support
Proceeds from the Classic will be used to fund transitional living arrangements, addiction recovery support services, and life skills training. These combined supports are intended to assist residents in maintaining sobriety, securing employment, and transitioning to stable, independent living. The event is positioned as a means to provide sustained program funding rather than short-term assistance.
Background on the annual fundraiser
Now in its twelfth year, the Dallas All Star Chef Classic is part of a series of events by the Dallas 24 Hour Club aimed at fundraising and community engagement. The Classic brings together local culinary professionals, corporate partners, and community members to raise funds specifically targeted at recovery-focused transitional services. The event’s recurring format is built around food stations presented by chefs, with guests circulating to sample offerings and support the cause.
FAQ
- When and where is the All Star Chef Classic?
- The event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lighthouse ArtSpace in Dallas.
- Who is presenting the event?
- The event is presented by the Dallas 24 Hour Club, with the Ben E. Keith Company as the presenting sponsor.
- What is the purpose of the fundraiser?
- Funds raised will support transitional living, recovery support services, and life skills training for people recovering from addiction and experiencing homelessness.
- How many chefs will participate?
- More than 24 North Texas chefs are slated to participate in a graze-around dining format.
- Who are the event chairs?
- The event will be co-chaired by Kristin and James Hallam, with Sharon Van Meter serving as Honorary Chef Chair.
- Are there sponsorship opportunities?
- Yes. Remaining sponsorship opportunities range from $1,500 to $50,000.
- Who is the current CEO of the Dallas 24 Hour Club?
- The organization’s CEO, Marsha Williamson, has announced her retirement and is currently on a victory tour.
Event summary and key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sunday, Oct. 8 — 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Lighthouse ArtSpace, Dallas |
| Host | Dallas 24 Hour Club |
| Presenting Sponsor | Ben E. Keith Company |
| Co-Chairs | Kristin and James Hallam |
| Honorary Chef Chair | Sharon Van Meter |
| Number of Chefs | More than 24 North Texas chefs |
| Main Purpose | Fund transitional living, recovery support services, and life skills training |
| Sponsorship Range | $1,500 to $50,000 |
| Organizational Note | CEO Marsha Williamson has announced retirement and is on a victory tour |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Culture Map: Dallas All-Star Chef Classic
- Wikipedia: Addiction
- D Magazine: 11th Annual Dallas All-Star Chef Classic
- Google Search: Chef Classic Dallas
- CW33: 11th Annual All-Star Chef Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- People Newspapers: Out & About Dallas All-Star Chef Classic
- Google News: Dallas 24 Hour Club
- Dallas Culture Map: KidLinks Symphony of Chefs 2025
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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