Throwdown chef Application

APPLY TO BE A COMPETITOR!

Jones Gardens invites Virginia chefs to apply for a friendly Farm-to-Table Chef Throwdown (Monday, September 7th @ 5:30PM--Location TBD), featured as part of a lively, ticketed fundraising dinner celebrating local food, farms, and community.

Each selected chef will be paired with a Virginia farm and challenged to create a dish that highlights the farm’s ingredients and a thoughtful farm-to-table approach. Guests will enjoy the event as both entertainment and dining, tasting inspired dishes while cheering on chefs.

All proceeds benefit Jones Gardens, a Staunton, Virginia nonprofit providing easy access to fresh, organic produce and sustainability education. All produce is grown directly within the neighborhoods and community the organization serves. Learn more about us and our mission here.

What Chefs Receive

A $300 stipend for participation
Volunteer assistance during prep and service (if needed)
Exposure to a broad, food-loving community audience through our social media and website, as well as potential to be featured in local news broadcastings
Collaboration with a Virginia farm
A fun, high-energy competition for a meaningful cause

Chef Requirements (Seeking 2-3 chefs)

Must apply via the Jones Gardens website
Must prepare dishes that contribute to the full course meal (appetizer, entree, desert)
Submit a short video clip showing yourself preparing a dish and explaining your process
Be genuinely passionate about Jones Gardens’ mission and local food systems

Chefs of all backgrounds and culinary styles are encouraged to apply.

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Commitment Checklist: Selected chefs agree to:

Collaborate with an assigned Virginia farm
Design and prepare one farm-to-table dish for the event
Participate in the event’s friendly, community-centered spirit
Be available for event-day prep, service, and brief interaction with guests
Work within event guidelines for portions, timing, and food safety
Engage respectfully with volunteers assisting during prep and service
Allow use of name, image, and video for event promotion
Share enthusiasm for and alignment with Jones Gardens’ mission

Jones Gardens provides:

Chef stipend
Volunteer support (as needed)
Event promotion and chef exposure
Coordination with farms and event logistics

We're glad you're here. Please complete all fields to be considered for our first annual Throwdown Fundraising Dinner.

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone Number *

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY) *

Address *

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City

State

Zip Code

Country

Years of experience as a chef *

1-5 5-10 10+

Current Place of Employment *

Employment Address *

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City

State

Zip Code

Country

Employment Phone Number *

What's your signature dish (or cuisine?) *

Please provide us with an example of what you'd think to be a delicious menu using ingredients sourced from local farms (one appetizer, one entree & one dessert) Feel free to provide details about the special elements of each dish. *

I understand that this competition is designed to be a fun, entertaining and friendly throwdown, and that the event is designed to entertain and unify the community for the sake of raising awareness of Jones Gardens and their mission. *

Yes No

I understand that chefs will be required to engage with the event host or emcee and discuss their cooking process and use of ingredients as the throwdown transpires. *

Yes No

As part of your application, please submit a short video that helps us get to know you, your cooking style, and your approach to food.

Video length: 1–3 minutes
Format: Smartphone or professional video (horizontal or vertical accepted)

In your video, please include:

A brief introduction (your name, where you cook, and your culinary background)
Footage of you preparing a dish (this does not need to be the dish you’d serve at the event)
A short explanation of your culinary process, explain what you are working on as you are speaking on it.
Also include:
- How you approach working with fresh, local ingredients
- What excites you about farm-to-table cooking
- Why participating in this event interests you

This video does not need to be highly produced—we’re looking for authenticity, passion, and creativity, so don’t stress about cinematic cuts or heavy edits.

Please upload your short video file here *

Max file size: 20MB

Please specify any special equipment or volunteer needs that you may have. *

Submit Application