On Monday, Aug. 12, chefs from central and Midcoast Maine will compete in the seventh annual Celebrity Chef Challenge. This year’s event will be held at Spectrum Generations’ Cohen Community Center, located at 22 Town Farm Road, Hallowell.

The Celebrity Chef Challenge presents three culinary experts competing in a challenge of creating a dish following Meals on Wheels guidelines, which includes a provided protein, vegetable, and starch. As the chefs all have the same main ingredients, the competition comes alive when each adds their own flair with herbs, spices, and special preparation techniques. Chefs compete for the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards as everyone enjoys the three creations; the winning dishes are then incorporated into Spectrum Generations’ Meals on Wheels program.

Competing chefs are Chris Geer, executive chef at the Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro in Freeport; Chris Hart, The Blaine House Chef in Augusta; and Elisha Irland, chef and owner of The Oak Table and Bar in Augusta.

The judging panel will consist of Grace Fecteau, co-owner and general manager of Huiskamer Coffee House in Augusta; Renee Nelson, 92 Moose morning show co-host and Townsquare Media central Maine news director; and renowned chef competitor including multiple awards from past Celebrity Chef Challenges, executive chef Chris Toole, of The Highlands in Topsham.

Funds raised from the event will support Spectrum Generations’ programs and services, including Meals on Wheels. The Celebrity Chef Challenge helps raise funds that directly support our neighbors; tickets are $75 per person, $300 for a table of four, or $550 for a table of eight. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with cocktail hour, live entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, and feature a silent and live auction.

Tickets are on sale now at spectrumgenerations.org/chef or through Sarah Brown at Spectrum Generations 207-620-1677 or sbrown@spectrumgenerations.org. Sponsorships available and auction items will be accepted until Aug. 5.