Generating Student Support Through Chefs Under the Stars

Chefs Evening is a decades-long Southeastern tradition, bringing members of both the University and area communities together each spring for an elegant evening of food and drinks from some of the region’s best restaurants and caterers. While COVID-19 prevented Southeastern from being able to hold the 2020 edition, this popular event was was able to return for 2021 with a unique spin—held outside on the field of historic Strawberry Stadium and titled “Chefs Under the Stars.”

Organized by the Southeastern Foundation, Chefs Under the Stars featured many familiar elements, including opportunities to indulge in a wide variety of delicious cuisine or take home an exciting prize from the raffle. New for this year’s special edition event, though, were performances by the University Jazz Ensemble and the Faculty Jazz Quartet, creating a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experience under the evening sky, in the heart of Southeastern’s campus.

Most importanty, all funds raised though Chefs Under the Stars will help provide vital student scholarships and support. Nearly 400 guests attended the event, together contributing over $75,000 to Southeastern students.

Chefs Under the Stars was sponsored by Premier Sponsors MCC Real Estate and Shelby LaSalle, Jr. LLC; Platinum Sponsor First Guaranty Bank; Gold Sponsors American Bank & Trust, Entergy, and Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction; Silver Sponsors
Dawn Cantrell, Hancock Whitney, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, and North Oaks Health System; Bronze Sponsors Mele Printing and Southeastern Catering; and Wine Sponsors Merrill Lynch Wealth Mgmt/R.K. Hoddinott and Wells Fargo Advisors/Andre’ Theriot. Participating restaurants included Acquistapace’s; Aramark Corporation; Benedict’s Plantation; Blackened Brew, LLC; Cate Street Seafood Station; Cena, Hammond; Champagne Bev/Gnarley Barley; Crescent Bar; Crescent Crown Distributors; Don’s Seafood & Steak House; Jacmel Inn; One Thirteen Restaurant; Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar; Salty Joe’s BBQ Shop; Sarita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina; The Cakery; The Cocoa Bean Bakery & Café; and Trey Yuen Restaurant.