File photo Chef Adam Luiso of Chef 'N' Company and intern Lainee Hersey serve food during the 2024 Chef's Auction supporting Wheeling Health Right.

WHEELING – Wheeling Health Right hopes its upcoming Chefs’ Auction fundraiser will score a real hat-trick of culinary delights while generating the money to help keep the free healthcare clinic going for the next year.

Wheeling Health Right has announced plans for its 30th annual Chefs’ Auction, which takes on a sports-related theme this year.

The event, dubbed “Score for a Cause,” is set to take place May 7 at Wheeling Park’s Ice Rink. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

“It’s a wonderful event. We’re always try to make it different and appealing,” said Dee Phillips, assistant director at Wheeling Health Right. “It’s always for a good cause because helping the people of the Ohio Valley is a gift in itself.”

Money raised will be put toward operating expenses at Wheeling Health Right, she continued.

“All the money stays here in the valley, which I like,” Phillips added.

She noted that attendees don’t have to dress up for this event given its sports-related theme.

“They can wear their favorite jeans and a t-shirt,” Phillips continued. “The food will be fabulous.”

The Chefs’ Auction is Wheeling Health Right’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing together local chefs, restaurants, businesses, and community supporters for an evening centered around food, fellowship and access to care, according to organizers.

Eighteen local restaurants are expected to participate, including Around the World Gourmet, Chef Rocco, Dutton Cattle Company, Elle & Jack’s, Elmhurst – House of Friendship, Figaretti’s Restaurant, Generations Restaurant & Pub, Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream, Oglebay Resort, She Brews Coffee Company, The Jakery, The Wheel, Valley Cheese, The Vue, Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack, Wheeling Park, and Sweet Abe’s Bakery.

Phillips said many of the restaurants will be getting into the theme at their tables by sporting team colors and having cheerleaders.

There will also be a live auction, raffles, and interactive activities throughout the evening, including a 360 Video Booth experience provided by Lit Photography. Guests will also enjoy music from DJ Donnie Gilbert and games provided by J-K Tank Rentals.

Prizes during the night include a trip to Myrtle Beach, a West Virginia University tickets package, a trip to Las Vegas and a Blackstone grill.

Additionally, there could be some surprises in store, according to Phillips.

The event is made possible in part by title sponsors Pete Holloway and Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.

Tickets cost $125 per person. For tickets or more information, visit www.wheeling healthright.com or call 304-233-1135.