FORKED RIVER, NJ –The Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education announced that the 26th Annual International Chef’s Night Out was a roaring success. The event was held on all three floors at the Lacey Elks Lodge, 900 Beach Boulevard, Forked River, NJ on Monday, March 6, 2023. The sold-out event proceeds exceeded $70,000 to fund student scholarships and grants for OCVTS instructional equipment and technology.

The evening included over 24 food and dessert vendors from around Ocean County, providing endless options for an incredible evening of sweet and savory sampling. The OCVTS Culinary team was on site, serving their culinary masterpieces alongside their chef instructors. An incredible gift auction featuring over $37,000 in cash and prizes was held, along with a mega 50/50 raffle valued at over $10,000. MaryBeth Currie, from the OCVTS Brick Campus, was the winner of the mega 50/50 raffle and took home $5,500.

The Chef’s Night Out Fundraising event started in 1996 and has become the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The Foundation was established in 1994 to help ensure a quality education for the students of Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). It was formed by a group of corporate and community leaders in Ocean County and provides funding through scholarships for OCVTS students and grants which allows OCVTS instructors and staff to purchase equipment and materials to enhance their training curriculum.

“The 26th Annual Chef’s Night Out was a huge success and I want to thank everyone responsible for making this an unforgettable event for our district. Our Chef’s Night Out Team outdid themselves. Whether you attend as a guest, volunteered, sponsored, or a vendor, you are the reason so many students will have the chance to receive a scholarship to attend OCVTS, and make their dream a reality. You are the ‘Dream Makers’ and I am humbled by your support”, said OCVTS Foundation Event Coordinator Annie Sayers. “We are so proud to be able to provide our students with the best education possible.”


Restaurants & Vendors in Attendance:
JBI Soul Kitchen, Ocean County Vo-Tech Culinary, Ocean County Vo-Tech Bakery, Cuisine on the Green Restaurant & Pub, The Waterfront, OHANA Grill, Berkeley Cut Steak House, Pies on Nine South, IG Desserts, Buffalo Wild Wings, 3 Flags, Broadway Giant Bagels, Ob-Cos Donuts, Community Medical Center, La Cantina, Waretown Bakery, Little Italy Pizza, B2 Bistro, Blue Collar Catering & Rosie’s.


Ocean County Vocational Technical School offers over 30 career training programs for high school students and adults. Visit www.ocvts.org for information about all of the programs and services offered at OCVTS. OCVTS is accepting applications for September classes. Discover how OCVTS can be a part of your future! Follow OCVTS on twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Photo Credits
Ocean County Vocational Technical School's Design & Visuals Communications Students (DVC)