EVENT FAQS
WHAT SHOULD MY TEAM COOK?
Anything that can be served bite-sized! It’s an open dish competition. Burgers, tacos, gumbo, or maybe it’s something sweet! Creativity may earn extra points. Prepare at least 150 samples of your best dish. You’re not serving a meal, just a taste.
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WHAT ITEMS WILL MY TEAM BE PROVIDED?
VADA will provide each 3-person cook team with two 6’ tables and access to power, ice, and paper towels. Each team will have a designated space along the perimeter of the pavilion to give you shade while allowing space for a grill, Blackstone, fryer, etc. outside of the covered area for safety. Teams are encouraged to bring chairs, décor, banners, and one vehicle (branding is key!) to be parked at your station. Guests will receive a tray, napkins, fork, spoon, and knife. It is the team’s responsibility to provide the appropriate serving container, such as small plates, boats, portion cups, etc.
HOW WILL VADA CHOOSE THE WINNING COOK TEAM?
Awards will be given in three categories: People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Most Donations Raised. Each guest will be given a token at the entrance to vote for their favorite cook team. The team with the most tokens by the end of the event will be named winner of the People’s Choice. The cook team that raises the most donations to benefit the VADA Scholarship Fund will receive a trophy, AND a bonus scholarship will be awarded to the 2027-2028 top-scoring scholarship applicant from their store.
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HOW DOES A TEAM RAISE DONATIONS FOR THE VADA SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
Fundraising begins as soon as your cook team signs up online using the team registration form. The $1,000 fee goes towards the team’s fundraising goal. Additional donations can be solicited at the team’s discretion. Anyone can donate to your team! Donations can be made by credit card by clicking the “donate” button on the VADA website. Donors are prompted to designate the cook team to receive credit for the donation at the time of payment. Check and cash donations are also accepted and must be turned in by a representative of your cook team by 7:20 p.m. the night of the event for the credit to be applied to your cook team’s fundraising goal. Please note the cook team’s dealership name on the memo line of any checks. Checks must be made payable to Valley Automobile Dealers Association.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A $100 TICKET?
Delicious bites from your favorite VADA dealerships, hosted beer and wine, and the opportunity to support local students enrolled in automotive tech schools and dealership employees and their dependents. Individual ticket sales can not be credited to any cook team’s fundraising.​​