PROOF // Vol. 2 - chefs farm dinner

Event Summary: PROOF // Vol. 2

PROOF // Vol. 2 the second event of our PROOF fundrsiding series is an exclusive, immersive farm dinner—an elegant, multi-course culinary experience designed to showcase the powerful impact of community partnerships. Hosted at the picturesque Oak & Ember Farms, the evening will feature a 7-course tasting menu with expertly curated wine pairings, prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated culinary talents:

Featured Chefs

• Chef Jorge Guzmán — Executive Chef and Partner at Sueño & Three Birds, . A three-time James Beard “Best Chef: Midwest” finalist (including a semi-finalist nod in 2022), Jorge brings influences from Yucatán and Mexico City, reimagined with inventive technique and deep-rooted authenticity . His cooking is deeply personal, inspired by memories of family meals—like frijol con puerco, the Yucatecan pork and bean stew he says “reminds me of home” .

• Chef Sarah Kirnon — A visionary West Indian chef (born in England, raised in Barbados) known for her Afro‑Caribbean cuisine and soulful culinary storytelling. She founded Miss Ollie’s in Oakland, CA—named after her grandmother—which became a beloved institution celebrated for its fried chicken, saltfish and ackee, and community roots . Kirnon’s food channels the Caribbean’s rich cultural diaspora, offering warm, soulful dishes deeply tied to family and heritage .

• Chef Zack Weiner — Co‑owner and co‑executive chef of Jollity and Koji Burger in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District. Zack honed his skills at Miami Valley CTC and The Midwest Culinary Institute, then trained under James Beard Award–winner Anne Kearney at Rue Dumaine in Dayton before launching the vibrant, seasonally driven Jollity—a name that reflects its spirit: “lively or cheerful activity or celebration” .

Together, these three chefs form a dynamic ensemble—each rooted in tradition yet pushing culinary boundaries—set to craft a memorable tasting menu that reflects their shared commitment to creativity, community, and connection.

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Evening Highlights

• Setting & Atmosphere: The dinner will unfold in the serene, rustic beauty of Oak & Ember Farms—an ideal setting for bringing food, friends, and purpose together in harmony.

• Experience & Engagement: Guests will savor a thoughtfully composed 7-course dinner with wine pairings, while mingling with the chefs and fellow supporters in an intimate farm-to-fork environment.

• Fundraising Focus: While the evening begins with ticket access, the primary goal is to rally support for the Oak & Ember Foundation. Throughout the night, attendees will have multiple opportunities to contribute—whether through capital gifts, pledges, or conversations about becoming long-term strategic partners.

• Impact & Vision: Your participation directly furthers the Foundation’s mission to build sustainable community partnerships that fuel meaningful, lasting impact—well beyond the evening itself.

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