FORKED RIVER, NJ –The Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education announced that the 27th 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 4, 2024. The sold-out event proceeds exceeded $75,000 to fund student scholarships and grants for OCVTS instructional equipment and technology.

The evening included over 27 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 $45,000 in cash and prizes was held, along with a mega 50/50 raffle valued at over $10,000. Elizabeth Lovenberg was the winner of the mega 50/50 raffle and took home $5,250.

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 27th 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 were 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,, JG Desserts, , 3 Flags, Broadway Giant Bagels, Ob-Cos Donuts, Community Medical Center, La Cantina, B2 Bistro, Blue Collar Catering, Rosie’s, Klee’s, L Gourmet, Shore House, Sweet Carolina Barbecue, Breeze’s, Joe Bella’s, Four Seasons, Freddie’s Custard, A Sweet Memory Bake Shop & Tea Room, and Mahana Fresh.


Event Sponsors:
Lakeland Bank, Esposito Construction, Ocean Pipe Works, Serv Pro, Ocean County College, Ocean County College Foundation, Holman, Frenia, Allison, PC, Rosetto Realty, Ocean First , NJNG, NJR Home Services, Cleary Giacobbe, Alfieri Jacobs LLC, Ocean County Tourism, Netwave, Manasquan Savings, Dasti & Associates, Carlucci Leone Dimon Doyle & Sacks, D’Onofrio Foundation, Meticulous Landscaping, IBEW 400, CBIZ Insurance, Camping World, Lester Glen, Veolia Water, Viking, Yezzi, RC Shea & Assoc., The Citta Foundation, Eastern Shore, Brielle Orthopedics, Epic Mechanical, Earle, My Guy Plumbing & Drain, and Wallace Contracting.



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)