March 26 | Venue 5 Twenty-Two

The Chef Showdown was held on March 26, 2026, at Venue 5 Twenty-Two, bringing together some of Lincoln’s top chefs for an evening of food, friendly competition, and community impact. The Husker men’s basketball game, the program’s first-ever NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance, was streamed throughout the venue giving guests the opportunity to support a great cause and cheer on the Huskers.

Chefs from Aragon, Carmela’s Bistro, Country Club of Lincoln, and L’s Kitchen served small plates with guests voting for their favorite. Chef Lorin Dagel from the Country Club of Lincoln came out on top for the second year in a row.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the Mission Moment video, featuring five individuals whose lives have been transformed through Matt Talbot’s services. It also introduces our 3-year, $2.5 million Hope Lives Here campaign, which will:

·       Provide housing for 20 additional people each year

·       Fully fund our hunger relief program

·       Build a sustainable endowment for the future

Over $40,000 was raised during the event specifically for the for the Hope Lives Here campaign. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the event overall raised a total amount of over $121,000.

“Everyone deserves nutritious food, a safe place to sleep, and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Alynn Sampson, Executive Director. “Homelessness and hunger are complex problems, but working together, they are problems our community can solve.”