One of the city’s most anticipated culinary extravaganzas, the 23rd Annual Great Chefs of Los Angeles brings together L.A.’s top tastemakers for an afternoon of food, wine, music and auctions to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California.  GCLA draws more than 500 people each year, and has raised more than $4.5 million for the foundation since its inception in 1987.  The recently introduced “Go Green, Go Organic” theme promotes eco-conscious living and sustainability, utilizing organic foodstuffs and eco-friendly products throughout the festivities.

Kidney disease survivor George Lopez and his wife and kidney donor Ann Lopez, both national spokespeople for the National Kidney Foundation, welcome supporters and celebrity friends such as Andy Garcia, Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli, Amy Garcia, Paul Stanley and Deana Carter to the event, which will recognize Chefs of Honor Neal Fraser (Grace, BLD) and Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Border Grill, Ciudad) for their outstanding contributions to the L.A. culinary scene and past work with NKF.  The Chefs of Honor will present awards to their fellow participating chefs to spotlight the use of local, organic and sustainable ingredients.  

“Usually I don’t eat, but when I eat, I eat GREEN!” quips George Lopez.  The actor/comedian will host Great Chefs just a day before the premiere of his late night show “Lopez Tonight,” premiering on Nov. 9 at 11/10c on TBS.

Hostess Chef Candace Kumai, The Stiletto Chef of TLC’s “Cook Yourself Thin,” will serve as emcee for the event, and will also host the GCLA Webfire Challenge webisode series sponsored by 944.  The four-part video series pits Great Chefs Neal Fraser (Grace, BLD), Jimmy Shaw (Loteria Grill) and Jonathan Burrows (Mr. Cecil’s California Ribs) in a cook-off that tests their creativity and quick-thinking skills, with George Lopez lending his humorous insights and commentary to the challenge.  The GCLA Webfire Challenge kicks off on October 19 on 944.com/greatchefs, with the top toque announced in the finale episode during the week of November 2.

Ticket giveaways and other exclusive promotions for the event will be offered through the official Facebook Fan Page and on the Twitter feed @greatchefsofla, where hungry fans can follow the latest chef news and exciting developments for GCLA.

944 and Get Hip Get Green, an eco-conscious leader in producing stylish reusable bags, totes and water bottles, sponsors the GCLA “944 Get Hip Get Green” Lounge, outfitted with environmentally friendly lounge furniture provided by Girari Sustainable Furnishing.  VeeV Açai Spirit, a leading distiller in promoting social responsibility in the beverage industry, will pour cocktails at the “Go Green Go Organic” Spirits Bar.  Guests will use biodegradable utensils by Sysco's Eco Company line.

For a complete list of chefs and participating sponsors, or to purchase tickets, visit www.kidneysocal.org.