Charlottesville Chefs Host Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser Dinner

Five renowned local chefs collaborate on a five-course meal to raise money for cystic fibrosis research and patient care.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:09pm

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Five acclaimed Charlottesville chefs - Laura Fonner, Michael Keaveny, Christian Kelly, Walter Slawski, and Tucker Yoder - are teaming up to host a five-course dinner at the Wool Factory to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Virginia chapter. The event, called the Charlottesville Chef's Table, aims to surpass last year's fundraising total of $45,000 for cystic fibrosis research and patient support.

Why it matters

Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disorder that affects about 850 people in Virginia, with an additional 1 in 31 Virginians being carriers of the defective gene. While a relatively small disease, it has a significant impact on those affected. The fundraiser dinner helps support critical research and care for those living with cystic fibrosis in the local community.

The details

The five-course dinner will feature unique dishes created by each of the participating chefs. The menu includes a salad course by Christian Kelly, roasted baby carrots by Tucker Yoder, grilled swordfish by Michael Keaveny, braised beef short ribs by Walter Slawski, and a gluten-free red velvet cake dessert by Laura Fonner. The event will also include an update on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's work and a 'Bid for a Cure' auction.

  • The Charlottesville Chef's Table fundraiser dinner will take place on Thursday.
  • Last year's event raised about $45,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Virginia chapter.

The players

Laura Fonner

Chef at Zynodoa restaurant.

Michael Keaveny

Chef at Tavola restaurant.

Christian Kelly

Chef at Duner's restaurant.

Walter Slawski

Chef at The Catering Outfit.

Tucker Yoder

Chef at Broadcloth restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“There are about 850 people in Virginia who have CF, and about one in 31 are carriers of the defective gene. So, even though we sound like a small disease, it is really affecting more people than you think. We know that the ultimate cure will be a genetic cure and along with that comes a lot of scientific challenges, as well as expense. But we are not taking our foot off the gas.”

— Beth Saladino, Executive Director, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Virginia Chapter

What’s next

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Virginia chapter hopes to surpass the $60,000 fundraising goal for this year's Charlottesville Chef's Table dinner.

The takeaway

This collaborative fundraiser dinner highlights the local culinary community's commitment to supporting important medical research and care for those affected by rare diseases like cystic fibrosis in the Charlottesville area.