Everything you need to know about tickets, tables, judging, sponsorship, and how Senior Chef Showdown supports Seniors First.
This FAQ page was drafted with the help of AI (Claude) based on information from across our website, then reviewed by our team. If anything looks out of date or unclear, please let us know.
Senior Chef Showdown is an annual culinary competition and fundraiser where chefs from Central Florida's senior living communities compete for the Senior Cup. Net proceeds benefit Seniors First, Inc.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center in Orlando, Florida. See the Event page for the full evening schedule.
2026 marks Seniors First's 60th anniversary — a "Sweet 60" birthday celebration built around one shared ingredient: honey. Every competing dish incorporates honey.
Tastings from every competing community, a live vote for the Senior Cup, a silent auction, sponsor activations, and a community table decorating competition — closing with chef storytelling and awards.
Individual tickets are $125 and go on sale September 1. Tables seat 8 guests for $1,000 and are on sale now — competing communities receive a $400 credit toward their table.
Visit the Event page or click "Get Tickets" anywhere on the site to reserve through Givebutter.
Yes — every bid supports Seniors First. Browse curated experiences, gift cards, and one-of-a-kind "Gifts from the Chef" dining packages on our Auction page.
A four-judge panel scores the competition — three judges score the food, one scores the community table decorating competition — combined with a live guest vote to determine the Senior Cup winner.
Senior living communities from across Central Florida. See the full lineup on our Competitors page.
Net proceeds benefit Seniors First, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 99-3964954) that has served Central Florida's senior community since 1966 through Meals on Wheels, in-home care, and other programs.
Visit our Sponsors page for this year's tiers, or see the Sponsor Directory to view current partners.
Yes — you can donate directly anytime via the "Donate" link in the navigation or footer of any page.
We welcome event-day and planning-committee volunteers. Visit our Volunteer page to sign up.
Browse our 2025 and 2024 photo galleries, or visit the Stories page for videos and media coverage.
Reach out anytime through our Contact page.