(SEATTLE)—This holiday season, United Way of King County and several locally owned restaurants will kick off a series of virtual cocktail hours and chef’s tables to raise funds for the community and support the restaurant industry. 

The “Eat, Drink & Be Generous” events will offer a way for people to contribute to alleviate food and housing insecurity faced by the community, particularly by Black, Indigenous and people of color. Thanks to sponsorship from Microsoft, all the proceeds from ticket sales and donations at these events will go directly to support the community. 

Ethan Stowell and Steve Hooper, Ethan Stowell Restaurants’ co-owners and this year’s campaign co-chairs, were instrumental in envisioning the format for the dozens of “Eat, Drink & Be Generous” events planned for the next eight months. The hosts and restaurants reflect the rich diversity of our region. 

On Nov. 17, chef Trey Lamont, owner and operator of Jerk Shack, will host a community cocktail hour. Attendees will receive cocktail kits and follow Lamont and Jerk Shack mixologist Ashaunti Smith as they demonstrate how to mix one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to chat with Lamont and learn about the homelessness crisis in the region.  

On Dec. 10, Salare’s Edouardo Jordan will host a chef’s table. Guests will receive Moroccan-inspired meals, and Jordan will cook and talk about the history of the dish’s cuisine. Attendees will learn about the pandemic’s effect on food insecurity in the region.  

For the final community cocktail of the year, Kamala Saxton, co-owner of Marination, will host a Hawaiian luau on Dec. 15. Saxton will offer the choice of two of her favorite cocktails: a margarita or a bourbon sour. Saxton will share some music and history of this community celebration. She will also discuss the importance of giving to the Community Relief Fund to provide rental assistance and food relief to people in need. 

Details for the three events: 

To schedule an interview with the chefs, please send an email to ccanizales@uwkc.org.