Taste Purpose. Fuel Dreams.
Plates & Purpose: Culinary Challenge
An unforgettable night where smoke, fire, flavor, and purpose come together.
Plates & Purpose Culinary Challenge is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together the city’s most exciting emerging culinary talent, headlined by Michelin and James Beard recognized pitmaster Chef Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue. This is where bold flavors meet real impact, supporting the next generation of chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs.
Every ticket purchased helps fund life-changing opportunities for aspiring culinary creatives through Great Deeds Foundation.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 (12pm – 5pm)
Experience the most impactful culinary event in Colorado
At Plates & Purpose, you’re stepping into more than a food event, you’re stepping into a movement.
In partnership with leading culinary programs, top students and emerging chefs compete for life-changing funding by showcasing their skills, creativity, and vision.
Step into a live, high-energy culinary competition where Michelin and James Beard recognized Chef, Daniel Castillo, known for his mastery of smoked meats will be serving authentic barbecue while the top selected students and emerging chefs craft standout side dishes.
Sip on expertly crafted Stranahan’s cocktails, enjoy live music, experience bold, fire-driven cuisine, and witness a competition where passion is on full display.
At the end of the night, finalists will be awarded cash prizes to fuel their culinary dreams:
- 1st Place – $5,000
- 2nd Place – $3,000
- 3rd Place – $2,000
- 4th Place – $1,000
- 5th Place – $500
With over 500 culinary businesses lost in Colorado in recent years, this event is about rebuilding the future of food, one opportunity at a time. This is about more than winning, it’s about changing lives through opportunity.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PLATES & PURPOSE
With your ticket, you’ll step into a experience built around incredible food, purpose, and unforgettable energy.
Watch as finalists compete live, presenting their dishes in front of guests and judges, each dish telling a story of culture, passion, and ambition.
Enjoy a lineup of premium BBQ and smoked meats curated by Chef Daniel Castillo, alongside a variety of elevated culinary offerings from featured partners.
Pair it all with crafted Stranahan’s cocktails and whiskey experiences, available throughout the event – with additional meats, pours, and specialty items available à la carte for those who want to indulge even further.
All set to the soundtrack of the night with DJ Peter Paul and Sinclare Soul bringing the energy and keeping the experience alive from start to finish.
This is where flavor, music, and purpose collide.
What’s Included With Your Ticket:
- Full access to the live culinary competition, BBQ experience, and all event entertainment
- Welcome cocktail featuring Stranahan’s Whiskey
- Choice of 2 gourmet meats (brisket, beef or pork ribs, tri tip, or chicken)
- Selection of 5 curated sides
- Raffle entry + voting ticket to help crown the winner
- Welcome swag bag
Event Highlights:
- BBQ experience by Chef Daniel Castillo
- Live culinary showdown featuring top emerging chefs
- Craft cocktails and whiskey available throughout the event
- Live cash prizes awarded to winning competitors
- Curated bites from local culinary partners
- Live music from DJ Peter Paul and Sinclare Soul
- À la carte add-ons, including additional meats and cocktails
- Meet the chefs and hear their stories firsthand
- Purpose-driven event supporting the future of culinary talent
About Great Deeds:
Great Deeds Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) that empowers youth, minorities, and marginalized individuals by providing the resources and opportunities they need to take action, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals.
The organization is committed to addressing critical issues like access to education and jobs, mental health, and essential needs, while also fostering entrepreneurship, creativity, and healthier lifestyles.
