How does CEO CookOff work?
This is a unique event where Australia's most talented chefs team up with CEOs, leaders and their teams to create a night to remember for people in need.
Across eight cities from 13 October to 12 November, CEO CookOff events give CEOs and business leaders the chance to cook alongside top chefs and prepare meals for guests from the charities we support.
After cooking, participants serve and dine with guests — hearing their stories, making connections, and creating a memorable night. For some guests, it's the first time they've experienced a dignified dining experience.
In the lead-up to each event, we ask fundraisers to rally their networks and help us reach our goal — 5 million meals in 30 days, powered by $2.5 million raised.
How do I sign up?
Head to our Events Page and find a CEO CookOff event in your state. Select "Sign Up" and complete your registration — this creates your personal fundraising page, which you can share with your network to help hit your fundraising goal.
Once registered, start sharing your page and raising funds to help feed Australians in need.
On the day, you'll be welcomed by your chef host and the OzHarvest team, briefed on the dish, and guided through preparation by the kitchen team. When guests arrive, you'll plate up, serve, and sit down to share the meal — swapping stories and hearing firsthand how your fundraising makes a difference.
Who is eligible to participate?
CEO CookOff is open to CEOs, executives, business owners, and community leaders. Everyone pledges to raising funds to secure their spot in the kitchen and help us reach our goal of 5 million meals in 30 days.
Do I need to be a CEO?
No — you don't need "CEO" in your title to take part. CEO CookOff welcomes executives, business and community leaders across all levels who are ready to fundraise and get in the kitchen.
Do I need to be able to cook?
No prior cooking experience is required. You'll be guided through the dish by our chef host and their kitchen team on the day.
Is there one central location, or different venues?
CEO CookOff runs across eight cities nationally, each with its own top chef. See all events on our Events Page
Does CookOff run on one day or multiple days?
Events run from 13 October to 12 November, with each city opening for one day — fundraisers cook, and guests from our charity partners join for a meal made with love. Events Page
Do I sign up as an individual, or do I need a team?
Both are welcome. If several people from the same company want to take part, a company team is a great way to combine your impact.
A Team Captain creates the team page, and each member joins and fundraises toward the team's overall target. Each individual in a team still pledges to raise the minimum $5,000.
If I register as a team, how many people do I need? Can members participate at different events in different states?
Teams can have anywhere from 2 to 50+ members, and members can take part at different events in different states.
Each individual in a team still pledges to raise the minimum $5,000.
Do I need to fundraise?
Yes. Our goal is 5 million meals in 30 days — that's $2.5 million raised nationally. All participants pledge to raise funds to secure their spot in the kitchen and support people doing it tough. Your fundraising keeps OzHarvest moving.
How long can I fundraise for?
You can start fundraising as soon as you register, right through until 30 November.
Where does the money raised go?
The money you raise stays in your state. Every $1 raised = 2 meals, helping OzHarvest to:
- Deliver fresh food to 1,500 charities across Australia — charities that have reported a 77% increase in demand over the past six months
- Help vulnerable Australians avoid impossible choices between food and essentials like rent, medication and school costs
- Rescue good food from landfill — sourced from 2,600 food donors nationally — and get it to people who need it, cutting food waste and its climate impact
What happens on the day of the event?
You'll be welcomed by your chef host and the OzHarvest team, briefed on the dish, and guided through preparation by the kitchen team. When guests arrive, you'll plate up, serve, and sit down to eat with them — sharing stories and seeing the impact of your fundraising firsthand.
Do I know which charity I'll be cooking for ahead of the event?
Yes — we'll let you know which charity partner will be attending your event ahead of time.
Who decides on the menu and is food supplied on the day?
Our chefs craft the menu, and all ingredients are provided on the day. Just turn up, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking.
