Celebrating The 2025 Commonwealth Autism Chef’s Cook Off Challenge
By Tyler Hart
The 2025 Chef’s Cook-Off fundraiser benefiting Commonwealth Autism was a success!
Because of the generous support of event sponsors, attendees, and donors, we raised over $80,000—our most successful event to date.
These contributions fuel our programs, especially our free Career Readiness Education program, which directly serves the autistic community and helps create a more inclusive Virginia. The funds raised will also support family services and other vital initiatives that strengthen our community.
Special Moments From the 2025 Chef’s Cook Off Challenge
Everyone enjoyed an evening of delicious food and fun competition from some of Richmond’s best chefs. The real stars of the evening were the people that make up Commonwealth Autism programs, with participants from the Career Readiness and Employment cohorts helping the chefs as they prepared their respective dishes.
Program graduate and current Good Foods Grocery employee Eric shared his story of accomplishment, with touching contributions from many of the people that helped make Eric’s journey so successful.
Congratulations to our winning chef, Matthew Brusca of Alewife, and a big thank you to all the talented chefs who made the night shine, including Rashad Thompson of Apt 310, Austin McCormick of Lemaire, and Christene Wansleben of Mise En Place.
How To Help Advance Autism Awareness in Virginia
When you contribute to organizations like Commonwealth Autism, you make a lasting difference. Support this important mission to help autistic adults connect with career and life skills support that is actionable and gets the desired results.
Be a part of the momentum that Commonwealth Autism is building in Virginia, and make sure you stay up-to-date on our many exciting events, including our next fundraiser!
